Mercadona stands as a leading Spanish retailer that has extended its reach beyond Iberia, seeking greater visibility before European institutions seated in Brussels. The Valencia-based company, led by Juan Roig, operates nearly 1,700 supermarkets across the Iberian Peninsula with a workforce approaching 99,000, including Portugal, and a turnover slightly above 31 billion euros. Management sources say the objective is to communicate its business model clearly to European policymakers and observers, showcasing how Mercadona operates and why its approach matters within the broader European retail landscape.
In the previous year, Mercadona, a member of EuroCommerce for 15 years, opened a permanent office in Brussels. This move aims to enhance the company’s visibility and facilitate clearer dialogue with European institutions, enabling a better presentation of its operational model. At present, the Brussels delegation comprises two staff members, reflecting the company’s commitment to direct engagement at the European level.
The Brussels presence is part of a larger international footprint that includes subsidiaries and branches across 12 countries worldwide, including Italy, China, Costa Rica, and South Africa. A team of 38 specialists collaborates with suppliers to coordinate international purchasing. Sources indicate the international network is designed to collaborate with partners from different markets, ensuring that Mercadona can offer customers the best available options on the market.
Mercadona’s flagship distribution network in Spain has expanded its international footprint with 12 overseas delegations. It participates in initiatives alongside other large firms such as Iberdrola, Endesa, Telefónica, and Repsol; major banks like BBVA, Caixa, and Santander; and sports organizations such as LaLiga. This ecosystem underscores Spain’s influence in lobbying and policy discussions in Europe and highlights Mercadona’s role within that framework.
Other subsidiaries and global presence
Mercadona asserts its influence with a network spanning 12 countries globally. European Union officials in Brussels note a steady expansion of lobbying activities in recent years, with a concentration of NGOs, corporations, and business associations registered in the EU Transparency Register. By March, the count showed hundreds of Spanish entities registered at the European Parliament, reflecting a broad footprint across sectors.
Economic impact in Spain
Mercadona contributes significantly to public coffers, with tax receipts totaling 9.858 billion euros, a rise of 9.4 percent from 2021. The 2022 Mercadona Economic Impact report, prepared by the Valencia Institute for Economic Research, estimates the company’s total economic footprint at 27.246 billion euros in revenues, driven by operating expenses such as purchases, services, wages, and rents, along with investment derivatives. The report also notes that this activity accounts for about 2.05 percent of Spain’s GDP. The analysis credits Joaquin Maudos, Eva Benages, and Carlos Albert from Ivie as principal authors and contributors.
Additionally, Mercadona’s labor-market effects are substantial. The company’s activities in 2022 supported approximately 684,211 full-time equivalent jobs, representing about 3.59 percent of total employment in Spain. This employment impact includes direct, indirect, and induced effects across the supply chain and related services.
In summary, Mercadona’s growth strategy includes a robust European footprint and a meaningful domestic economic impact, illustrating how a single retailer can shape policy conversations while contributing to employment and national GDP. These dynamics are observed through a combination of direct investment, supplier partnerships, and coordinated lobbying that aims to clarify the company’s model for European decision-makers. [Citation: Mercadona Economic Impact report and EU Transparency Register data, as compiled by Ivie and EU officials in Brussels.]