Mexican-originated Soap: Zote Soap

In the heart of Xalostoc, State of Mexico, the historic La Corona factory continues to stand tall, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Gonzalez Padilla brothers who founded the soap factory in 1920. Initially selling animal fat for soapmaking, they soon began producing their own soap, with the first product being Tepeyac.

Demand for La Corona's products surged quickly, and the company diversified into liquid laundry soaps, always with a focus on consumer needs. This philosophy of keeping prices low by reinvesting in new technologies and listening closely to consumers has served La Corona well over the years.

In the 1950s, La Corona expanded its product line to include detergents, and in the 1970s, it absorbed the production of Zote soap. Zote, a popular Mexican soap, has become a symbol of Mexican culture, often reimagined in sculpture and installations. It is also passed down as a talisman in domestic rituals.

Zote soap was later reimagined as Zote Rosa, a product marketed as both laundry and bath soap, known for its high quality and low price. Beauty vloggers today recommend Zote Rosa for cleaning makeup brushes. Despite regulations prohibiting its sale as a labeled bath product, Zote Rosa is still used by many for bathing.

La Corona's commitment to sustainability is evident in its water treatment plants, which recycle effluents, and its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by 27,000 tons through sustainable practices.

In 2022, Statista and Forbes ranked La Corona the second-best employer in Mexico, a testament to the company's commitment to its employees. The Gonzalez descendants still run La Corona, treating their employees as kin, and many families have worked at the plant for generations.

La Corona's expansion did not stop at Mexico's borders. Since 1986, La Corona has been exporting its soaps abroad, with 15% of production going overseas. Today, La Corona's factories, which form part of one of the most popular companies in Mexico, continue to produce the products that have shaped Mexican daily life.

Mariá Meléndez, a Mexico City food blogger and influencer, is one of many who have grown up with La Corona's products. The company's philosophy of keeping prices low while maintaining quality has made it a staple in Mexican homes for nearly a century.

In a world where consumer needs and sustainability are at the forefront, La Corona continues to adapt, ensuring its place as a beloved and essential part of Mexican culture.