The anniversary was celebrated at Unimarc’s Los Militares store with a review of its history, the launch of a new website, and a fair featuring 12 of its entrepreneurs. Unimarc, a subsidiary of SMU, launched 100% Nuestro 12 years ago in the Aysén Region through a strategic agreement with INDAP, allowing local horticulturists to offer their products in supermarkets. This initiative provided customers with fresh, high-quality products, addressing the challenges faced in the country’s southernmost regions.

This agreement was the starting point for the creation of 100% Nuestro, the first SME support initiative in the supermarket industry, which now includes 167 entrepreneurs from all regions of Chile.

Since its inception, over 400 SMEs have participated in the program. Today, more than 1,000 products bearing the 100% Nuestro seal can be found in over 130 exclusive displays designed to highlight and promote traditional flavors from each region of the country.

Lionel Gubler, Unimarc’s Format Manager, explains: "The increased availability of products allows us to offer better service to our customers, boosting our sales and those of our suppliers. Unimarc is present throughout Chile, reaching places where no one else does. It is a source of pride to connect typical flavors from the south to the north and vice versa. The program has grown alongside them; we work hand in hand, promoting their products and generating shared value."

In addition to exclusive spaces and the opportunity to sell their products in stores, the program offers suppliers benefits that support their business development. These include priority product reception, assistance with product delivery, training, mentoring, technical support, and promotion through social media and press coverage for comprehensive growth.

One of the program’s partners is the Simón de Cirene Foundation, which supports entrepreneurs, social organizations, and communities throughout Chile. This partnership includes a mentoring program, with 26 sessions held this year.

"For Simón de Cirene and our network, it has been an incredible learning experience to work with the program’s entrepreneurs and the SMU team. We share a common goal: strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, we know that one of the main challenges for entrepreneurs, especially in the regions, is building networks. Being able to connect them with executives from different parts of Chile opens up new opportunities," says María Paz Edwards, Director of the Foundation’s Mentor Network.

A Strong Regional Focus

Cristina Wilhelm is part of 100% Nuestro with her company Omi’s, based in the Araucanía Region. Her business specializes in producing and selling local products such as roasted hazelnuts and equine jerky. She emphasizes: "Being part of Unimarc has been an incredible support and opportunity. Having our products on the shelves increases our visibility, builds trust with our customers, and we receive constant training through the program."

Currently, about 80% of the program’s participants are from regions outside Santiago, which is one of the reasons why 100% Nuestro has been recognized with the "Mi Compromiso Pyme" Seal, which supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by encouraging large companies to purchase local products.

"Thanks to SMU’s regional presence, thousands of regional businesses and micro-entrepreneurs, who would have otherwise struggled to get their products on supermarket shelves across the country, have gained access to the national market. For them, logistics and market entry are far more complex, especially considering the industry’s centralization. SMU is a concrete example of how to enter the national market while recognizing the value of regional entrepreneurs," explains María Elba Chahuán, Vice President and Founder of Unión Emprendedora, an NGO that grants the "Mi Compromiso Pyme" Seal alongside consulting firm EY.

Finally, Marcela Salas, SMU’s Sustainability Manager, highlights the challenges for 2025: "Our goal is to increase awareness of this program. We were the first, and we continue to grow, but reaching more people is our challenge. We want to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, benefiting our customers with products that enrich our assortment, reflect the unique characteristics of the country’s regions, and have significant social value."