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Mercadona Now Sells One-Fifth of Spain’s Food as Mealtime Moves Home

New industry data point to booming prepared dishes alongside greater reliance on store brands.

Overview

  • Worldpanel by Numerator reports the chain accounts for 19.7% of all food and beverages consumed in Spain, topping bars at 11.2% and independent restaurants at 8.6%.
  • Mercadona closed 2025 with a record 27% market share, while short-assortment rivals hit highs (Lidl about 6.9% and Aldi about 2%) and Carrefour slipped to 9% after hypermarket losses.
  • Private-label products reached 45.6% of purchases, gaining 1.7 percentage points versus 2024 as households prioritized price and promotions.
  • Prepared-meal spending in Galicia totaled €203.4 million from January to November 2025, up 15.3% year over year, with industry figures citing national consumption records and per-capita use rising to 18 kilograms.
  • Supermarkets expand ready-to-eat and in-store dining formats, with some locations adding seating and microwaves as 22% of items bought at stores are now purchased for out-of-home consumption; Mercadona’s Portal Tornillo won innovation recognition as the company studies a potential T9 store model.