Mercadona closed its 2021/2022 campaign with record citrus volumes, marking a total of 209,000 tons of citrus fruit marketed. The company reported purchases totaling 192,000 tons, composed of 140,000 tons of oranges and 52,000 tons of tangerines from its suppliers, with additional figures contributing to the overall Citrus outcome. A separate line item shows 17,000 tons of lemons, underscoring the broad scope of the retailer’s citrus program for the season. This performance reflects the chain’s nationwide sourcing and strong demand for homegrown produce across its markets.
Mercadona reiterates a policy rooted in supporting the local primary sector. The company emphasizes stable and transparent relations with national producers, working with 26 suppliers and engaging more than 2,500 farmers across Spain. This approach helps ensure that a large majority of the oranges sold by the chain are of national origin, a practice the retailer notes has persisted for years and aligns with its mission to bolster domestic agriculture.
As the campaign ends in September, Mercadona notes a temporary pause on citrus arrivals from external origins until the next production cycle begins in the main Spanish growing regions in early October. For the seasonal transition, varieties such as the Oronules lemons and tangerines are highlighted, with national varieties entering the stores as they come into season and additional domestic options added to the assortment thereafter.
Today, Mercadona maintains a network of suppliers across key Spanish regions including the Community of Valencia, Andalusia, the Region of Murcia, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. This geographic spread supports consistent supply and aligns with the retailer’s strategy to source locally where possible while meeting consumer demand with a diverse citrus lineup.
In addition to direct fruit sales, Mercadona has offered freshly squeezed orange juice since 2016 in all its stores. This service is a result of collaborative innovation involving Mercadona, the specialist supplier Zumex, and feedback from customers. The initiative illustrates the retailer’s commitment to delivering value-added fruit experiences that complement everyday shopping.
Mercadona also supports national agricultural campaigns led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, including Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable campaigns. The retailer is a long-time advocate of fair trade practices and has adhered to the Code of Good Business Practices in Food Contracting for years. The continued push toward fair trade aligns with the broader measures introduced to improve the functioning of the Food Chain, with active participation from MAPA and various agri-food sector associations across Spain, reinforcing the chain’s role in promoting sustainable and transparent supply chains.