Mercadona removes its fish counters to minimize time

Any given day at Mercadona, you go to the fish section and find a very different scene: there is no fresh fish in sight, only shiny, packaged trays. What happened to traditional fishmongers? Well, the Valencian chain has decided to make a radical change that doesn’t quite convince everyone.

Surely many times you have wondered why sometimes buying fresh fish seems like a complicated and lengthy process. Mercadona has chosen to eliminate all its fishmongers and opt for a model that at first glance seems faster and cleaner, but also changes the shopping experience. The result? A clear bet on reducing time, both for the consumer and internal logistics.

Mercadona and the new T9 model: packaged fish to speed up shopping

Mercadona, the leading chain in Spain, is implementing its new system called the T9 model, which represents an important transformation in store organization and, specifically, in the fish section. The goal is not only to modernize but also to adapt to the demands of its "jefes," as the company calls its customers.

Goodbye traditional fishmonger, hello cut and packaged fish

The most visible change is the disappearance of fish displayed at the counter to offer clean, cut, and packaged fish in trays. This formula, similar to the butcher or deli counters, allows the product to arrive at the store with more controlled freshness and a cleaner, more attractive presentation. If you are one of those who scrutinize the fish with a magnifying glass before buying, get ready to change your ritual.

Fresh, fast, and with longer shelf life

One of the great advantages of packaged fish is that it lasts up to six days after purchase, an important milestone compared to the short shelf life of traditional fish. Moreover, according to Mercadona, this system reduces the time between catching and arrival at the store, which helps maintain freshness and quality. This, however, also means that waiting and queues at the counter disappear, something some shoppers miss.

Local suppliers and recommendations for preservation

Commitment to proximity and quality

Mercadona assures that it continues working with regular local suppliers, maintaining a wide variety of clean fish available in different cuts. This collaboration guarantees that the fish is not only fresh but also contributes to the local economy, albeit now in a more industrial format.

Tips for freezing and cooking safely

A practical detail the company emphasized is the recommendation to use specific bags to freeze the trays and consume the fish within a month. To ensure food safety, remember that after thawing, the fish must be cooked at over 70 ºC for at least two minutes. This way Mercadona aims to avoid disappointments after purchase and make life easier for its customers.

How the change affects the buyer’s experience and gastronomic culture

Between convenience and tradition

Mercadona’s decision has generated very diverse opinions. On one hand, there are consumers who value the speed and convenience of not having to ask for, wait for, and handle fresh fish at the counter. But there are also those who miss the magic of choosing fish with smell and sight, an important part of Mediterranean gastronomic culture.

A model that sets a trend but generates debate

But the reality is that the T9 model and the disappearance of physical fishmongers at Mercadona reflect a global trend toward more prepared and packaged products. This not only changes how we shop but also how we perceive freshness and quality. Something that invites you to reflect on what we are willing to sacrifice to save time.

If you want to learn more details about how Mercadona is evolving its store network and what other changes are planned, you can read the article about the 17 officially protected apartments in Valls, or take the opportunity to do your shopping at the official store with special promotions.

The transformation of Mercadona’s fish section is not just an aesthetic or logistical change, but a move that could redefine the way we shop and think about fresh products. A fish that is no longer touched or smelled, but simply chosen and taken home.