The surprising change at Mercadona’s fish counter that improves everything

Mercadona has launched a deep reorganization of its fish market that changes the way fish is bought in the store. The idea is not only to renew the space, but to reduce the time that passes from when the fish leaves the water until it arrives at your home. A promise that is not easy in a sector where freshness is everything.

But this is not a blind change. The company has worked for more than two years collecting information from blind tests, surveys, and direct input from customers. This amount of data has allowed them to outline a model that seeks to adapt to the real needs of the consumer.

Mercadona’s new fish market

The first thing that stands out is that all the products are now sold on trays. This bet on a more practical format reinforces quality and freshness, avoiding the fish being exposed for too long or the customer having to wait in endless lines to request cutting or preparing pieces.

Formats and presentation adapted

For the first time, Mercadona offers a selection of products in various formats: fillets, slices, and whole pieces cleaned and ready to consume. This wide range makes shopping easier for those who want to go straight home and cook without further complications.

Assortment adjusted to real consumption

Moreover, the renovation includes a more adjusted assortment

Improvements in service and experience

But it’s not all about format and product. Speed and agility in purchasing have been put at the center. The goal is for the client to be able to buy their fish without spending half an hour at the counter, a key aspect for all families who value time.

Customer service and adaptation

The fish market workers have received training to offer faster and more efficient service, adapting to the new formats and current demands. A commitment to making shopping less burdensome and more accessible.

Reactions and monitoring

Mercadona assures that this change is just the beginning and will continue analyzing customer response to adjust the service in real time. It is no surprise that this continuous improvement strategy keeps the chain as a benchmark in the supermarket sector.

In fact, if you’re interested in seeing how the chain evolves, you can read how Mercadona is leading the new generation of stores.

Context and impact on customers

The renovation arrives just as consumption habits have changed a lot: more people buy online, fewer want to waste time in the store, and they look for more practical products to cook quickly. Mercadona has done its homework to avoid falling behind.

Expert opinion

Sources from the company explain that the idea is for the fish to be so fresh that it almost makes you reluctant to go to the traditional fish market. The operations director recently said that freshness and quality come through a service that adapts to current times.

Local consumer evaluation

A regular customer in Tarragona comments that the new fish market is a relief for daily shopping, because now they can choose between whole or prepared pieces without queues or complications. Others, however, lament the loss of the tradition of personalized cutting, but that is another debate.

By the way, if you want to know how Mercadona opens its first ‘Tienda 9’ in Catalonia, you will also find very interesting information.

With this transformation, Mercadona shows that it not only wants to sell fish, but to change the way we buy and consume it. A silent revolution that could end up being the model that others copy.

If you are interested in logistics, you will know that the chain also seeks to be more efficient by offering products in formats that facilitate transport and preservation, reducing waste. This is what happens when data rules.

It is also interesting to see how Mercadona closes on key days, but that is another story that we will tell another day.

In short, the renovated fish market is a clear reflection of the consumption trends of 2026 and Mercadona’s need to adapt to a more demanding and practical consumer.

If you want to know how Mercadona will double its cafeterias, you also have news for you.

The reality is that now buying fish at Mercadona is faster, fresher, and less complicated. But, what about the flavor? Here everyone has their own opinion.