Mercadona, a brick-and-mortar supermarket with online sales, is launching its 2023/24 citrus campaign with a projected volume of over 140,000 tons. This quantity marks a 10 percent increase from the previous season, reflecting a robust commitment to fresh fruit across its network.
Throughout the campaign, shoppers will notice a variety of orange types, with Navel oranges gradually appearing in the lettings of supermarkets within the Lanes and Valencia groups, aligning with customer expectations for quality and consistency.
The current campaign, just underway and slated to run until roughly August, will feature oranges harvested from plantations in the Valencian Community, Andalusia, the Region of Murcia, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. This expansion continues the national citrus initiative that began in late 2023 with tangerines and lemons from Spanish suppliers. Mercadona maintains a solid commitment to the Spanish primary sector, prioritizing stable, transparent relationships with its 24 national suppliers and more than 2,800 farmers nationwide. [Citation: Mercadona supply network and national farmers]
Encouraging citrus and seasonal fruit consumption for a balanced basket
Beyond promoting citrus, Mercadona offers freshly squeezed orange juice in the fruit and vegetable section in three convenient formats: 250 milliliters, 500 milliliters, and 1 liter. Introduced in 2016, this service was born from a joint effort among Mercadona, the expert supplier Zumex, and customers, signaling a collaborative approach to in-store innovation.
Citrus fruits supply essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to a balanced diet. Oranges, tangerines, lemons, and other citrus varieties pair well with varied items to compose a nutritious shopping cart for families and individuals alike.
Mercadona supports agricultural campaigns by aligning with national initiatives and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food within the framework of Spain’s food strategy. The retailer has backed fair trade practices for years and adheres to codes that promote responsible commitments in the food sector. This voluntary stance is a step toward broader fair business practices and is part of measures aimed at improving the functioning of the food chain, under the guidance of MAPA and in cooperation with various industry associations. [Citation: MAPA, fair trade programs, and national agriculture partnerships]