Introduction to Mexico’s Micro-Enterprises
Mexico’s economic activity is largely driven by small, yet crucial establishments known as “tienditas” or small grocery stores. With over a million units nationwide, these microenterprises account for roughly 20% of the country’s MiPymes (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), according to INEGI data.
Significance of Small Grocery Stores
These small businesses are not just retail points; they form community structures that generate approximately 6.2 million jobs, maintain local distribution circuits, and contribute billions of pesos to the GDP.
Challenges Faced by Small Grocery Stores
Despite their structural importance, these small grocery stores face challenges such as limited access to formal financing, digitalization hurdles, fierce competition, and often lack the infrastructure to professionalize their operations.
Resilience and Adaptability
These microenterprises have shown remarkable adaptability, especially during crises like the pandemic or logistical disruptions. Their resilience solidifies their role as key components of Mexico’s economic and social fabric.
Grupo Modelo’s Support for Small Grocery Stores
At Grupo Modelo, we recognize supporting these microenterprises as a strategic decision rather than a symbolic gesture or short-term action. As part of our strategy towards 2027, we focus on strengthening and digitizing the traditional channel.
This involves more than just improving store facades or supplying refrigerators; it’s about acknowledging that the most powerful supply chain is one built collaboratively.
Initiatives by Grupo Modelo
We’ve implemented programs like Emprendedores Modelo, which has trained over 5,000 retailers, and BEES, our B2B marketplace, which has digitized over 90% of our sales, bringing management tools, credit, and ordering options to more than 260,000 sales points.
In 2025, we’ve reinforced our commitment by increasing credit access for both current and new clients by 20%, growing loyalty program investments by 19% to allow clients to redeem rewards for free products, and providing 300% more refrigerators than in previous years to ensure product availability for consumers.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Small Grocery Stores and Mexico’s Prosperity
Through a century of experience, we’ve learned that when these small grocery stores thrive, Mexico prospers. This commitment aligns with the objectives of Plan México, which aims to stimulate growth from local levels and generate well-being from the economy’s base.
On the National MiPymes Day in Mexico, a day dedicated to recognizing their economic role, Grupo Modelo reaffirms our belief that strengthening these small businesses is not just an operational commitment but an investment in Mexico’s future economic and social well-being.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are MiPymes in Mexico? MiPymes, or Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, are vital components of Mexico’s economy, with small grocery stores, or “tienditas,” making up about 20% of them.
- What challenges do these small grocery stores face? They struggle with limited access to formal financing, digitalization issues, intense competition, and insufficient infrastructure for professional operations.
- How does Grupo Modelo support these small grocery stores? Grupo Modelo supports them through initiatives like Emprendedores Modelo and BEES, focusing on digitalization, training, and improving access to credit and resources.
- Why is supporting small grocery stores important for Mexico’s prosperity? A thriving network of small grocery stores contributes significantly to job creation, local distribution, and economic growth, aligning with national development plans like Plan México.
