Argentina dairy industry faces crisis amid SanCor and ARSA bankruptcies

The Argentine dairy industry is facing a severe crisis as major companies struggle with bankruptcy and unpaid wages, impacting thousands of workers. The dairy workers' union, ATILRA, has criticized judicial delays regarding the bankruptcy of the former cooperative SanCor CUL. Despite the bankruptcy being declared months ago, the union reports that a definitive ruling to liquidate assets and pay creditors has not yet occurred, even though bidders have expressed interest in reactivating production.

Simultaneously, Alimentos Refrigerados SA (ARSA), which managed SanCor’s refrigerated products under the Vicentin Family Group, has also entered bankruptcy following an unsuccessful preventive reorganization process. ARSA, which was later managed by the Venezuelan firm Maralac S.A., faced significant debt to suppliers and employees, leading to massive suspensions. The collapse affects essential plants in Lincoln, Buenos Aires, and Monte Cristo, Córdoba, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of direct employees and their families.