Mercadona says goodbye to the traditional fish market with a new fresh model

If you have recently passed by a Mercadona, you may have noticed that the fish market is no longer what it used to be. It’s not a bad dream: the Valencian chain has decided to leave behind its classic counter to opt for a new system that looks more like a butcher’s than a fish market.

But it’s not just about changing the way fish is presented; Mercadona aims to minimize the time from when the fish leaves the water until it reaches your home. And this, for a supermarket with millions of customers, is more than a challenge; it’s a necessity.

The new fish sales model at Mercadona

How the new system works

The traditional counter with fresh fish and fishmongers has been replaced by a format of packaged and cut products (fillets, slices, or whole) in the refrigerator. This formula is more similar to meat than to the classic fish market, but according to Mercadona, it guarantees more freshness and less time from sea to table.

This also implies a adjustment of the assortment according to actual consumption, avoiding surplus and minimizing waste. In other words, you buy just what you need, no more, no less.

Where this change started and why

The first trials were conducted in two towns in La Rioja, where Mercadona analyzed thousands of data points, opinions, and blind tests. The result? A system designed to make shopping quicker and more efficient, which fits with the new consumer profile in Spain.

According to internal sources, store space reorganization will be more intuitive, with a much faster shopping experience. This move is part of the implementation of ‘Store 9’, which has already reached Catalonia, such as the one in Manlleu.

Packaging and preservation: the key for fresh fish

Product shelf life and conveniences

The packaged trays are not just a matter of aesthetics. Mercadona explains that this format allows the fish to last several days in the refrigerator without losing quality. And if you want to freeze it, you can, with the only exception of products that state otherwise on the label.

In case of freezing, the recommendation is to consume the fish within a month to maintain all its properties.

Recommendations for the consumer

• Portion-controlled purchase: the fish comes ready to consume or cook, avoiding waste.
• Storage: keep the product refrigerated and check the label for specific instructions.
• Freezing: most can be frozen, but don’t forget the 1-month expiration date.

Impact and futuristic perspective

Reactions and trends

Consumers are divided, but the Valencian chain bets on a model that meets the current demand for speed and quality. Mercadona reinvents itself, leaving behind the traditional fish market for a more modern concept adapted to today’s life.

Some industry experts, including fishmongers and food critics, explain that the key lies in real freshness and convenience for the user, who often prefers less time waiting in line and more quality product at home.

Connection with other initiatives

This change is part of Mercadona’s overall renovation, which has also introduced ‘Store 9’ in Catalonia. In fact, if you want to know more about the possibility of freezing this packaged fish, you can check the article Mercadona explains.

And if you are wondering how discounts affect the shopping basket, the news about Mercadona lowering the prices of a hundred basic products might be an interesting read.

The reality is that this bet on freshness and convenience could mark a before and after in how we buy fish in supermarkets in Spain.