When it comes to filling the fridge in Barcelona, proximity and local produce carry more weight than the omnipresence of big brands. This is confirmed by the latest satisfaction survey carried out by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), which has put figures on a clear trend: shoppers prefer regional Catalan supermarkets to the big market leaders.
Esclat, Bonpreu, Bonàrea, Ametller, and Plus Fresc occupy the top 10 most highly rated chains nationwide, and all of them originate in Catalonia.
Photo: Karsten Ratzke / Wikimedia
Although giants such as Mercadona and Carrefour dominate in terms of number of stores and footfall, they are not the ones that leave the best impression on customers. According to the survey, which covers more than 24,000 shopping experiences, seven of the ten best-rated chains are regional.
Although the overall list is headed by the American chain Costco (with a score of 84 out of 100), local pride has also seen other chains such as Consum in Valencia and Familia in Galicia enter this ranking of excellence with scores of over 75 out of 100 among consumers.
To find the top national distribution chains, we must look to Hipercor (79 points) and El Corte Inglés (78 points).
Mercadona, despite not being among the top three (it scores 71 points), remains the “king” of market share with almost 30% nationally. Almost one in three respondents say it is their usual place of purchase. It is followed in popularity by Carrefour Hipermercado (10%) and Lidl (9%).
Why do we shop where we shop if they are not the ones we like best?
Photo: Bon Àrea
The OCU is clear: practicality rules. Thirty-four percent choose their supermarket because of its proximity or because they are passing by, while price (21%) and quality (17%) take a back seat when deciding on a quick visit.
The study also focuses on families’ budgets. Average monthly spending on food has risen to €407, a figure that reflects the harsh inflation of recent times: the shopping basket is 36% more expensive than four years ago.