Supermercado Mexico Recognized as Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year by Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

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Michigan Sustainable Business Forum named Supermercado Mexico its inaugural Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year winner in the Food Systems category, which recognizes businesses that are advancing sustainability through the food value chain, agriculture, and hospitality.

Supermercado Mexico is a cultural hub for West Michigan’s growing Latino population.  Its stores feature a wide range of traditional Mexican products, many of which are not found in larger grocery chains.  It also sells popular Latin American products from El Salvador, Guatemala and more.

One of West Michigan’s most visible Hispanic businesses, Supermerado Mexico is introducing sustainability practices to its operations and community,

• It has adopted a comprehensive recycling program and sources packaging derived from ocean-bound plastic. Each year, the stores recycle over 180,000 pounds of cardboard, 60,000 pounds of metal, and 15,000 pounds of grease and oil, while replacing more than 180,000 single-use plastic bags with ocean-bound alternatives.
• Through partnerships with Flashfood and local organizations, thousands of pounds of surplus food are redirected to families in need. It was the first independent grocery store in the county to adopt the technology. 
• By investing in energy-efficient equipment like LED lighting and modern refrigeration, Supermercado Mexico minimizes its environmental footprint..
• Its approach ensures that food systems and hospitality practices work hand in hand to serve people, strengthen local economies, and protect the planet.

“Sustainable businesses build sustainable communities. Our community is the reason we are here today, and our main goal as an organization is to serve them with everything they deserve and more. This means making sure they have an environment that takes care of them. The more we can commit to improving that naturally and through organic infrastructure that still delivers the results we strive to achieve as a business, the better. This goes so much deeper than simply representing an independent grocer, and we are grateful for the recognition and look forward to improving and amplifying these systems and structures tenfold in the future.” said Ben Cochran, President & CEO of Olvera Enterprises, on behalf of Supermercado Mexico.

The signature event of the state’s sustainability community, this year’s Triple Bottom Line Bash hosted more than 350 professionals, supporters and their families to recognize businesses, institutions and professionals from around the state.  This was the first year for the Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year Awards program, which had previously been organized as a regional event focused on western Michigan. Award winners and finalists were nominated by Forum members and selected by a committee of their peers.  

Finalists in the Food Systems category included BioWorks Energy, Design Declassified, Guelaguetza Designs, and Revolin Sports. 

“Supermercado Mexico stood out to the selection committee based on the scope of its impact: waste diversion through recycling and FlashFood, energy efficiency through equipment and lighting, innovative partnerships such as the plastic bag pilot, local sourcing and economic impact,” said Daniel Schoonmaker, executive director of Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.