AI, Smart Labels Redefine Retail and E-Commerce in Latin America

Dynamic commerce and AI are driving retail in Latin America, shifting from static models to real-time predictive operations. Meanwhile, smart labels are reshaping food retail by enabling QR-based access to detailed product information. 

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Dynamic Commerce: The New Era of Retail in Latin America

Retail in Latin America is shifting toward a “dynamic commerce” model, where competitiveness depends less on omnichannel presence and more on the ability to adapt operations, pricing, and customer experiences in real time. This evolution is driven by technologies such as AI, predictive analytics, and IoT, enabling retailers to move from reactive to predictive decision-making while meeting rising consumer expectations for seamless, personalized interactions. For the region, this transformation represents both a challenge and an opportunity, as companies that integrate data-driven agility and end-to-end visibility will be better positioned to boost productivity and sustain growth in a volatile environment.

Smart Labels Grow Their Role in Food Retail

Smart labels are evolving into a critical infrastructure layer in retail as they align with GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative, enabling QR codes to replace traditional UPC barcodes with dual functionality for both point-of-sale systems and consumer devices. This transition enhances inventory management, traceability, and recall processes while maintaining consumer access to detailed product information, positioning early adopters at a strategic advantage. Beyond retail, rapid growth in the smart label market—driven by demand for real-time tracking and supply chain visibility—is expanding adoption across logistics, food, and pharmaceutical sectors, signaling a broader shift toward data-driven, transparent ecosystems.

Mexico’s E-Commerce Surpassed MX$941 Billion in 2025

E-commerce continues to gain share in Mexico’s retail sector, now accounting for 17.7% of total sales and supported by a regional penetration in Latin America that exceeds the global average. Growth is being driven primarily by digital-native companies, alongside a steady expansion of hybrid retail models, while the number of online buyers has reached 77.2 million, with increasing participation from lower-income segments. High user satisfaction and widespread omnichannel behavior underscore market maturity, positioning e-commerce as Mexico’s sixth-largest economic sector and one of the fastest-growing globally.

Guanajuato Emerges as Digital Powerhouse, Ranks Fifth in Online Sales

Guanajuato has positioned itself as a leading digital economy hub in Mexico, ranking fifth nationwide in online sales, driven by strong entrepreneurial activity and omnichannel strategies. The region’s e-commerce growth is led by the fashion and footwear sectors, with companies leveraging direct-to-consumer models and digital tools like marketplaces, Instagram, and WhatsApp to expand margins and reach international markets. However, challenges remain as few MiPyMEs have their own sales platforms, making fiscal changes and the adoption of digital banking key enablers for sustained growth and financial inclusion.