Mercadona changes the fishmongers: the surprising model that improves freshness
Mercadona revolutionizes the way of selling fish with a new model that eliminates queues and guarantees fresher products for its customers.
The Valencian chain, led by Juan Roig, drives this progressive transformation in its supermarkets in Spain, integrating the renewal within its 'T9' model.
The radical change in Mercadona's fish markets
Why does Mercadona bet on clean and prepared fish trays?
The new system of selling in refrigerated trays, similar to the butcher or deli counters, reduces the time between fishing and purchase. This ensures maximum product freshness and a shelf life of up to six days, much longer than traditional counter fish.
Moreover, this change helps to offer an assortment adapted to real demand, with products already cut and prepared to consume directly, which eliminates waiting times and makes shopping faster.
How will this affect the relationship with suppliers and customers?
Despite the reform, Mercadona maintains collaboration with its usual local suppliers, guaranteeing variety and quality. This means that local products will continue to be the highlights in the new fish markets.
Customers will have a simpler and cleaner shopping experience, with better visual finishing and less time spent searching and waiting for fresh products.
The 'T9' model: more than a new fish market
What is the 'T9' model and how does it affect shopping?
The 'T9' model represents a comprehensive reorganization of commercial spaces. It aims to make shopping more intuitive and faster, with a product layout that makes it easier to find what is needed without unnecessary detours.
This renewal is already present in some stores and is expected to reach about 60 across Spain during 2026, thus transforming the usual shopping experience.
Other innovations in the 'T9' model
In addition to the fish market, the model incorporates larger and better-organized spaces, with finishes and touches that improve visual comfort and hygiene. The intention is that the customer can shop more effectively and with fewer complications.
If you were wondering what a store with this concept will be like, you can learn more about the new Mercadona store that is already revolutionizing the market.
Practical advice and curiosities about the new fish in trays
Can fish in trays be frozen?
Mercadona explains that this fish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six days. If freezing is desired, they recommend doing so in airtight bags and consuming it within a month. In case a thawed product is refrozen, it must be cooked thoroughly for safety.
This gives the consumer more flexibility, allowing better planning of consumption without losing freshness or quality.
Key benefits of the new system
- Guaranteed freshness with less time between sea and store.
- Longer product lifespan after purchase (up to six days).
- Faster and more comfortable shopping without queues or waiting.
- Product prepared to consume or cook directly.
The change not only improves the fish but the entire shopping experience, which Mercadona continues to refine to make it more comfortable and efficient. In fact, the chain has recently also announced price reductions on a hundred key products, complementing its constant improvement strategy.
