Young Egg Leaders conclude two-year journey with inspiring insights in Cartagena!

11 September 2025

The WEO Young Egg Leaders (YELs) brought their two-year programme to a close in Cartagena, Colombia, with a memorable final instalment that combined business insights, practical learning, and celebration.

On Friday 5 September, the group spent a dedicated morning with Juan Felipe Montoya Muñoz, President of Kikes, Colombia’s leading egg brand, alongside his senior team; Juan Camilo Sierra, VP of Business; Claudia Castro Jones, VP of Operations; and Juan Guillermo Martinez Fajardo, CFO.

The session offered the YELs an exclusive look into the story behind Huevos Kikes. Founded by Juan Felipe’s grandfather, the business was transformed in 2012 when Juan Felipe took the helm and launched the Kikes brand. Today, it stands as Colombia’s most popular and best-loved egg brand.

The group learned how Kikes’ remarkable success stems from its entrepreneurial spirit, innovative mindset, and determination to continually adapt to consumer needs. By shifting eggs from being perceived as a simple commodity to a widely adored, value-added brand, Kikes has become a household name.

The Kikes team highlighted their commitment to finding solutions to challenges, embracing change with a positive mindset, and even exploring how egg production by-products can be transformed into renewable energy sources.

Following the morning session, the YELs got the opportunity to visit local markets, gaining first-hand insight into how Kikes eggs are sold in different retail environments, and how they are displayed at point-of-sale.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Juan Felipe and the Kikes team for their time and insights.

In the afternoon, the YELs enjoyed a fun and interactive cocktail masterclass, celebrating their shared experiences and achievements over the past two years.

During the WEO Cartagena Conference that followed, the YELs also participated in a dedicated breakfast meeting with Jose Manuel Segovia, CEO, and Roberto Prata, Commercial Director of Granjazul, Guatemala. Here, the group were challenged to consider how the global egg industry can harness communications and marketing more effectively to drive increased egg consumption worldwide.

This remarkable group of Young Egg Leaders has once again upheld a high standard for the future, and we now look ahead with excitement to the next cohort.