The Spanish Supermarket Chain announced that, in 2024, it only spent 1,400 million euros on products from Portugal. A number that represents a 19% growth compared to the previous year and raises questions about where and how this investment was made.
According to the company, it was a clear reinforcement of the commitment to the national market and the local producers, in a year when the daily supply of more than 60 stores in Portugal required an operation on the national scale.
High purchases: What is Mercado to look for in Portugal?
Without going into detail in the initial announcement, the company later revealed that, among the products purchased, are thousands of tons of fresh, millions of liters of milk and various other foods that supply both Portuguese territory and some stores in Spain.
500% growth in five years: Who is behind this jump?
According to the market investment in Portugal grew exponentially. In 2019, the volume of purchases made to national companies was 217 million euros. Five years later, it exceeds 1,400 million, which represents an increase exceeding 500%.
This growth follows the expansion of the number of stores, but also the reinforcement of the company’s strategy, which is to ensure products of national origin and long -term agreements with suppliers.
Portugal to feed Spain? What is behind this operation?
Part of the products purchased in Portugal is not here. Mercado itself admits that some of the purchases also serve to supply stores in the neighboring country. This means that Portuguese producers are indirectly to provide thousands of customers in Spanish territory.
The company operates with an integrated logistics between the two countries, which allows a daily circulation of perishable and organized perishable goods.
We recommend:
Millions of liters, thousands of tons: the numbers that make this business turn
According to the data released, only 38,000 tons of tomatoes, 22 million liters of milk and 4,500 tons of cheese were purchased. Also fresh fish represents a considerable volume, with more than 2,300 tons delivered daily to stores.
These numbers show the size of the operation, but also the dependence of the chain in relation to national production.
Who are the producers behind these numbers?
The company’s statement does not identify names, but confirms that Portuguese suppliers are distributed in various regions of the country. From agricultural explorations in Alentejo to coastal ranks, Mercado has built a supply network based on diversity and proximity. Established agreements are, according to the brand, long -term and guarantee stability to the producers involved.
What regions are they to supply Mercado?
From north to south of the country, Mercado supplies a wide variety of products from different regions. The dairy products arrive mostly from the North and Center Zones, where important dairy and cheese producers are concentrated. Alentejo stands out as a tomato and olive oil supplier, taking advantage of the favorable climate and agricultural dimension of the region.
Fresh fish is collected daily on several drawings along the Portuguese coast, allowing quick deliveries and fresh products in stores. Already the vegetables originate in various zones of the country, ensuring a diverse and constant offer throughout the year. This regional supply network allows the market to ensure quality, proximity and support for national production.
More shops, more purchases: will the trend stay?
With more than 60 stores in Portugal and new openings planned, the Spanish chain expects to continue to increase the volume of purchases to national suppliers in the coming years. Network growth translates into greater need for supply, which makes a continuous increase in investments in the country predictable.
What is behind a bet of 1,400 million?
Mercado stresses that this strategy is part of a wider plan of differentiation and commitment to product quality. The goal is to offer fresh, national production and guaranteed traceability.
Without promising numbers for the coming years, the company makes it clear that Portugal will remain a central piece in its logistics and commercial operation.
Also read:
