Separated by more than 6,000 kilometers and with completely contrasting cultural and historical contexts, Barcelona and New York are two very different cities, yet they share many similarities: they are both large metropolises with a modern vibe, a cosmopolitan image, and a massive influx of tourists. But starting next year, they’ll have something else in common, as Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that Barcelona will have a network of affordable public supermarkets by 2027, similar to the project presented by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The mayors of both cities met last Saturday in New York at the Urban 20 cities summit, where they addressed issues such as the climate crisis, housing, the rising cost of living, and migration. In this context, Collboni announced the launch of a network of affordable stores that will be set up in municipal buildings or on ground floors, with the goal of ensuring access to quality food and fresh produce for everyone, regardless of their economic means.
The project, very similar to the one presented by Mamdani, will be managed by nonprofit organizations with the support of the Barcelona City Council and will be linked to a vocational training and job placement program in trades such as fruit and vegetable merchandising, fishmongering, and customer service.
For now, there is only one specific project planned, to be launched in the Marina del Prat Vermell neighborhood. This first pilot project will open sometime in 2027, and following that, similar stores will open in vulnerable or newly developed neighborhoods that face difficulties accessing basic necessities.
The announcement has sparked considerable backlash from opposition parties, particularly Junts, the PP, and Vox, who have labeled the project “populist” and claim it could amount to “unfair competition” for the city’s supermarkets and small businesses. In addition, Barcelona en Comú has also criticized the proposal, though in this case for considering it “insufficient” and an “empty announcement” lacking a concrete plan.
