Ranking of Spanish supermarkets

The American supermarket chain Costco headed the ranking of the best supermarkets in Spain in a new survey by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU).

The list consists of 48 supermarkets, which were evaluated on various criteria, including the convenience of the store's location, the variety of goods and brands, staff service, prices, the quality of fresh products and waiting times at the checkout.

Costco topped the ranking with a score of 84 out of 100. Esclat came in second (82 points), followed by Bonpreu (81), Hipercor (79), and El Corte Inglés, Ametller Origen and Bonàrea, which scored 78 points each. At the bottom of the ranking were DIA, Eroski City, Spar (all with 66 points), Mi Alcampo (63 points) and Carrefour Express (61 points).

Mercadona scored 71 points in the ranking, which assessed the quality of supermarkets, but at the same time, one in three shoppers in Spain visits the chain's stores. Next came Carrefour with 10% and Lidl with 9%.

According to the study, when choosing a store, 34% of shoppers choose the one closest to them, 21% focus primarily on prices, 17% on product quality, and 14% on the range of the assortment. The average household expenditure on supermarket purchases reached €407 per month, which is higher than in previous years.

Supermarkets remain the main place for grocery shopping, with three out of four Spaniards visiting them at least once a week. Only 8% order groceries online.

The OCU emphasises that the cost of a basket of groceries in Spain has risen by 36% over the last four years. In this regard, the organisation is once again calling for a temporary reduction in VAT. From 4% to 0% on basic products (fruit, vegetables, legumes, milk, eggs, olive oil) and from 10% to 4% on meat and fish.