Mercadona says goodbye to the traditional fish market for a fresher model

Have you ever seen a supermarket where the fish counter disappears? Mercadona already has, and the change leaves no one indifferent. The fish is no longer displayed on the counter but arrives in fresh trays, ready to consume.

This revolution in fish sales aims to minimize the time from the water to your table, which could forever change the shopping experience. But what about you, are you ready to say goodbye to the traditional fish counter?

Mercadona’s new fish counter model

Mercadona has begun implementing a system that sells cleaned, cut fish packaged in refrigerated trays, very similar to what happens with meat. This decision is no whim: it comes after analyzing thousands of data points, blind tests, and real customer opinions in various stores, especially in La Rioja where the pilot test has already been carried out.

Faster and adapted shopping

With this change, the Valencian chain wants the shopping process to be quicker and more intuitive. Furthermore, the fish better matches customers’ actual consumption, avoiding buying more than necessary and reducing waste. Mercadona believes that in this way, the time between the fish leaving the water and arriving home is minimized, ensuring superior freshness and quality.

A transformation in the supermarket

The model also involves completely reorganizing the fish counter space. The goal? To make it more practical and so the customer finds everything they need without wandering around. This fits with their bet on the well-known ‘Stores 9’, which seek better experience and efficiency.

Advantages of buying fish in trays

Many may think that fresh fish is only what they see on a counter with ice and whole fish. Well, no. Mercadona explains that the new format allows fish to be kept longer in the fridge, and can be frozen with the same guarantees, as long as it is indicated on the label. Once frozen, they recommend consuming it within a month.

Practicality and safety

Packaged trays make handling and storage at home easier. Also, fish already cut into fillets or slices avoids the hassle of cleaning and preparing it. The chain assures that this does not sacrifice quality or freshness, and even improves the experience for many customers looking for convenience.

Reactions and opinions

Consumers are divided. Some see it as a step forward in modernity and hygiene, while others miss the ritual of buying fresh fish at the counter. The local fisherman, Joan, told Modernet Digital that "I understand the convenience, but fresh fish is something else; this is already prepared food." Meanwhile, the manager of the pilot store in La Rioja states that "selling in trays has reduced service time and improved customer satisfaction."

What does this change imply for consumers and Mercadona?

The transformation of the fish counter is a strategic move to adapt to new consumption habits, with a clear focus on freshness and convenience. But it also means that Mercadona’s traditional fish counter is gradually disappearing, making way for a more streamlined and efficient model.

Adaptation and future

It is a change that forces customers to adapt to new ways of buying fish. But the Valencian chain does not do it blindly: it has backed the decision with data and tests. Also, if you want to learn more about this new model and the possibility of freezing fish, you can read Mercadona explains how to do it.

Impact on the sector

This move could set a trend in supermarkets, where private label brands and the fight for freshness become protagonists. If you want to know how Mercadona lowers prices to compete, or better understand Mercadona?, you have all the information at Modernet Digital.

The reality is that this new tray fish model aims to be fresher, more practical, and more efficient. And if you get used to it, you might never want to see fish sold the old way again.