Breathe
By María Ximena Arbelaez
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage sector in Mexico and Latin America are not just businesses; they are the very essence of our communities. Every dish that reaches the table, every flavor that connects us with our roots, is the result of the work of thousands of entrepreneurs who, day after day, sustain the local economy and, at the same time, preserve our cultural identity.
According to a report by Mexico's Ministry of Economy, 99.8% of companies in the country are SMEs, making them the country's main source of income. However, only 3% of food and beverage producers in Mexico and Latin America export.
During the pandemic, we witnessed how small family businesses, especially those focused on the culinary field, multiplied. This expansion was not only a response to the challenge, but a sign of resilience. Local merchants rigorously adapted to security measures, gaining consumer confidence by guaranteeing essential, personalized products and unique attention, thus demonstrating their ability to adjust to a changing environment.
These family businesses not only provide stability in their communities, but also drive a circular economy by relying on local suppliers, positively impacting various areas, helping to reduce economic inequality in both rural and urban areas, promoting inclusive growth from the very foundation of society.
On the other hand, SMEs in the aforementioned sector are deeply connected to the sustainability and biodiversity of the region by using local ingredients, as they preserve agricultural traditions passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the gastronomic richness of Mexico and Latin America remains and, above all, is maintained over time. In addition, by focusing on local and sustainable production, they respond to a growing demand from consumers who are looking for healthier foods with a clear and transparent origin.
Finally, we cannot ignore the role of these companies in the internationalization of Latin American culture; there are currently more than 15,000 interested buyers in the United States and Canada alone, with whom they are connecting through B2B platforms that support small companies in positioning their brands in other countries.
Local flavors and products have captured the attention of international markets, and more and more SMEs have begun to export, diversifying the local economy. This process not only boosts the competitiveness of companies, but also positions Mexico and Latin America as a global benchmark in culinary innovation, contributing both to the trade balance and to long-term economic and cultural development.
*Maria Ximena Arbelaez is CEO and Co-Founder of Bosanet.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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