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Mercadona wrapped up 2025 with impressive numbers that have president Juan Roig beaming. "We are very, very, very happy," he said three times over while sharing the results. Profits jumped 25% to €1.729 billion, with sales up 8% at €41.9 billion, mostly from Spain at €39.8 billion. Online sales hit €1.061 billion, or 2.5% of the total.

 

Roig expects even better in 2026 after strong January and February starts. The chain now employs 115,000 people, up 5,000 from last year, supporting 647,000 jobs overall with suppliers. That's 3.1% of Spain's workforce. Staff productivity rose 4%, thanks to a "the more you give, the more you receive" approach. Most long-termers (over four years) take home €2,200 net monthly, boosted by €1 billion in pay rises, CPI-linked wages, €780 million bonuses and holidays stretched from 30 to 37 days.

 

Mercadona paid €3.4 billion in taxes, with an effective rate of 22.8% on profits. "We are very proud to do so," Roig added.

 

Hot on these results comes 'Store 9', debuting this year in 59 Spanish outlets after testing in Xirivella, Valencia. It follows 1,482 'Store 8' upgrades by end-2025. The big shift from version 8 to 9 involves department sections like butcher or fish counter to process zones: refrigerated, frozen, fresh, bakery and 'Ready to Eat.'

 

We can expect more room for fresh meat, fruit, veg and fish. A central bakery per store handles cutting, baking and packing for bread, pastries and even Serrano ham. All prep unifies for speed and ease. 'Ready to Eat' gets €80,000-100,000 per store, with suppliers eventually packing too. "We want a higher level of quality and safety," Roig explained.

 

EAE Business School's Miguel Ángel López sees McDonald's-style efficiency. "They have opted to optimise the cooking and packaging processes," he said, aiding quick shops without custom waits. New gear promises 10% energy savings and 40% less water use. For online orders, new automated warehouses called 'hives' boost speed. A new distribution centre opens in Vallecas in June, handling 5,000 orders daily and creating 400 jobs.

 

Up to €3.7 billion heads into Spain and Portugal by 2030. With sales growth modest at 8% but profits soaring 25%, López credits "economies of scale and a broad network of stores."

 

For regular shoppers, 'Store 9' means faster trips and fresher picks. Mercadona, Spain's top grocer, just keeps getting better.

 

Image: wikicommons