At the beginning of the new year, families are cautious about spending money on daily groceries. In 2023, a Spanish family spent an average of €392 in the supermarket. In 2022, this amount was still €369.
Households are currently making a careful choice for supermarkets with a good price-quality ratio. The Spanish consumer association OCU has conducted research into which stores are popular with consumers.
The best-rated supermarkets
The research shows, among other things, the success of regional supermarket chains such as Esclat, Bon Preu, Plusfrésc and the American store Costco.
Among the national chains, Hipercor, the supermarkets of El Corte Inglés, and Aldi receive the best consumer ratings. Mercadona scores best for online shopping.
The OCU’s survey shows that 54% of those surveyed go to the supermarket once or twice a week. Six out of ten people do their shopping by car. In addition, most people do their shopping in the morning or afternoon. Each customer has their own criteria for judging a favourite store.
What do customers value?
One of the most important criteria for customers is the quality of fresh food. Costco, Esclat, Hipercor, El Corte Inglés, Supermercados BM, Sorli and Bon Preu in particular are receiving consumer appreciation in this area.
In addition to the quality of food, the assortment is important to people. El Corte Inglés, Hipercor and Esclat excel in this, customers say. Alcampo, Carrefour and Plusfresc also score well when it comes to the product range.
The customer pays attention
Because of inflation, consumers in the supermarket pay close attention to the price of groceries. Family Cash comes out on top in that regard. Esclat, Costco and Carrefour have the best offers, according to those surveyed.
Another factor of importance is the ease with which you can buy groceries. Comfort appears to be a strong point of Esclat, Costco and Hipercor. In addition, Esclat, Plusfrésc and Bon Preu distinguish themselves by the fast handling at the checkout.
Favourites by product
Each chain has its own strengths. One supermarket has good quality meat, another has good fish or other products. The customer notices this.
Supermarkets Costco, Hipercor, Esclat, El Corte Inglés, Plusfresc, Sorli, HiperUsera and Froiz receive the best rating for their butcher shop. The first four also score well in their fishing department, as do Gadis, HiperUsera and BM.
Fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetable lovers will find the best quality at Costco, Plusfresc, Esclat, Hipercor, El Corte Inglés, Sorli and BM. Customers who prefer to buy ecological or organic foods particularly appreciate the products of Aldi, Esclat, El Corte Inglés and Alcampo.
According to those surveyed, Mercadona, Costco, Esclat, Bonárea, Bon Preu, Hipercor and Aldi have the best range of private label items.
Best chain for online groceries
It is not yet very common in Spain to buy groceries online. Nevertheless, the Spanish consumer association has also found out which supermarkets score well in this area. Mercadona stands out as a store with the best online service.
The company recently updated its website. Partly because of this, it is now the best-rated online supermarket. Alcampo scores lowest among consumers who opt for online shopping.
