Mid-March sees Cali and Valle del Cauca companies earning awards for sustainability, innovation, and management. Colombina leads in global sustainability, Banco de Occidente wins in fintech. Firms like Vennex Group and Fundación Valle del Lili also receive honors.
A column published on March 17, 2026, by Carlos Alberto Botero Roldán highlights awards received by Cali and Valle del Cauca companies early in the year. Colombina, a regional food company, ratified its sustainability leadership on February 18, ranking among the world's most sustainable per S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2026. Banco de Occidente, originally from Cali, was among winners at the 11th Fintech Américas 2026 awards for continental financial innovation. The bank had previously been named one of Colombia's best places to work by Great Place to Work 2024. Valle del Cauca's Vennex Group won at Fedesoft's Premios Ingenio in late 2025 for its SIGESI eGov system used by the Gobernación del Valle del Cauca. On February 26, Merco released MercoTalento 2026 rankings, placing Eficacia among the top for attracting and retaining talent in southwestern Colombia. Fundación Valle del Lili was named Colombia's top clinic, second in Latin America, and 45th globally in Brand Finance Global Top 250 Hospitals 2026. Fitch Ratings reaffirmed an AAA rating early this year for Santiago de Cali's administration due to solid budget management.
