Mercadona, a leading physical supermarket and online retail company, concludes its 2022/23 citrus season in Spain this Monday with a purchase balance surpassing 196,000 tonnes. In that campaign, Mercadona procured a total of over 200,000 tonnes of Spanish citrus, with oranges alone accounting for about 140,000 tonnes. Tangerines and lemons reached roughly 56,000 and 17,000 tonnes respectively, highlighting the strong demand and diverse supply that characterized the year.
The retailer underscores its commitment to the private sector as a durable partner, aiming to secure stable and transparent relationships with more than 25 national suppliers and over 2,500 farmers across Spain. It notes that more than 85 percent of the oranges it sells originate from domestic production, underscoring a preference for locally sourced fruit while maintaining broad supplier collaboration to ensure steady availability.
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From mid-August through the end of October, Mercadona customers will have opportunities to purchase oranges from origins beyond Spain. By early October, the Spanish citrus season resumes, with lemons and tangerines entering stores once more. Mercadona remains actively involved in diversifying its citrus assortment throughout the year, with Spanish varieties gradually entering more fully by early November. This strategic replenishment aligns with consumer demand for fresh, high-quality citrus during peak harvest periods and beyond, ensuring a consistent supply for shoppers across seasons.
The company promotes the consumption of citrus fruits and freshly pressed orange juice available in three standard containers: 250 milliliters, 500 milliliters, and 1 liter, located in the Fruit and Vegetables section. This service began to roll out across the chain in 2016 and was developed through a collaboration among Mercadona, specialist supplier Zumex, and customers, reflecting a joint effort to enhance convenience and freshness at point of sale.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and their regular intake supports a balanced diet. Oranges, tangerines, and lemons—along with other citrus varieties—help round out a well-rounded shopping cart and contribute to daily nutritional goals for families across North America and beyond.
Mercadona supports campaigns promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables. It also advocates fair trade practices and adheres to the Code of Good Trade Practices in Food Procurement. The company recognizes ongoing efforts to strengthen the food chain and collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and multiple associations within the Spanish agri-food sector as part of broader industry initiatives to promote responsible sourcing and transparency across supply chains.