, one of the largest snack exporters in the region, the family (specifically Ildiko Tesak
Of Palestinian Arab descent, the Simán family arrived in El Salvador in the early 20th century and built a retail empire from scratch. What started as a small textile shop in San Salvador has evolved into the largest department store chain in Central America.
The Bahaia family built their fortune through textile manufacturing and industrial clothing exports (maquilas). As major players in the textile sector, they helped position El Salvador as a key supply chain hub for US apparel brands. They have since diversified into commercial real estate and social development projects. 13. The Zablah Family 14 richest families in el salvador best
The economic landscape of El Salvador has historically been concentrated in the hands of a small, powerful elite, traditionally referred to as "Las Catorce Familias" (The Fourteen Families) [1, 2]. While the original 19th-century oligarchy was built on coffee plantations, the modern Salvadoran economy is driven by diversified conglomerates spanning banking, retail, real estate, and energy [1].
The Borgonovo family arrived from Italy in the late 19th century and quickly integrated into the top tiers of the Salvadoran agricultural elite. , one of the largest snack exporters in
The exact number "14" is largely symbolic, standing for the 14 political departments of El Salvador, implying that one elite family effectively controlled each region. In reality, historical records like those analyzed by Spanish journalist Maria Dolores Albiac highlight that the elite network consisted of over 100 heavily interconnected families. However, a specific core group formed the backbone of this economic dynasty. Key Historical & Dynastic Oligarchies
As one of the truest representatives of the original 19th-century oligarchy, the Regalado family has successfully maintained massive wealth across generations by modernizing their operations. As major players in the textile sector, they
Owners of Súper Selectos, the undisputed dominant supermarket chain in El Salvador with over 100 locations. The family recently expanded its international footprint by acquiring a controlling stake in the Colombian retail giant Grupo Éxito. 8. The Salaverría Family Core Industries: Coffee production, processing, and export.
Real estate developers (like the Poma and Dueñas groups) have arguably more economic impact today than traditional coffee exporters.