Mercadona: Navigating Challenges in the Dairy Sector

Mercadona is a prominent player in Spain's supermarket industry, renowned for its extensive network of stores across the country. The company holds a substantial share in the retail market, particularly in private-label sales, where it leads with 49.7% of the total value. Over the past year, the share of private-label goods at Mercadona increased from 77.7% to 79.1%, underscoring its strong position in the sector.

Regulatory Scrutiny Over Milk Pricing

Mercadona is currently under regulatory scrutiny due to its milk purchasing practices. The company has been acquiring milk at prices lower than the cost of production, raising concerns among regulatory authorities. An investigation is underway, and depending on the outcome, Mercadona could face sanctions. This situation might lead to significant changes in the procurement and pricing of milk, potentially setting new precedents in the industry.

Impact on the Dairy Supply Chain

The scrutiny faced by Mercadona highlights the challenges and responsibilities of operating at a large scale in the retail market. The company's milk purchasing strategy has broad implications for the entire dairy supply chain, affecting farmers and the sustainability of production.

Supply Chain Challenges

In addition to milk pricing issues, Mercadona is dealing with frequent shortages of cottage cheese, prompting the company to invest in improving its processing capabilities. These shortages point to the complexities involved in managing supply chains within the dairy sector.

Legal Proceedings

Mercadona was also involved in court proceedings concerning the marketing of pasteurized horchata as 'fresh', which was a significant legal event for the company. As these developments unfold, stakeholders in the dairy market are closely watching the proceedings, anticipating potential impacts on market dynamics and regulatory practices.

Recent Pricing Adjustments

Mercadona reduced the price of selected Hacendado milk products in October. The price of Hacendado semi-skimmed milk fell to €0.83 per litre, down from €0.88 at the start of 2026. The price had already been reduced to €0.84 in April.