Mercadona has implemented a relevant change in the way it sells fish in its supermarkets. The chain is now betting on a model based on products prepared in trays, ready to consume or cook, which partially replace the traditional counter format.
The main objective is to reduce the time that passes from when the fish leaves the water until it reaches the consumer, thus improving the freshness and final quality of the product.
Why Mercadona has changed the model
The decision comes after years of analyzing customer behavior. According to the company, the in-home experience was not always as expected with the previous model.
Based on data collected in stores, surveys, and tests, Mercadona has opted to adapt its offering to faster and more practical consumption.
The new system allows:
- Reduce waiting times in store
- Facilitate purchasing
- Better adjust the product to real demand
What the new fish in trays is like
The change focuses on offering already prepared fish in different formats:
- Fillets
- Slices
- Whole pieces ready to cook
All of this packaged and ready to go, which eliminates the need for in-store handling and speeds up the purchasing process.
The key doubt: can it be frozen?
One of the most frequent questions from customers is whether this fish can be frozen. Mercadona confirms that yes, although with recommendations:
- If the tray is open, use airtight bags
- Consume preferably within one month
- If refrozen, cook completely (over 70ºC for at least two minutes)
In addition, it can be kept for several days in the refrigerator without any problem.
A change linked to the transformation of its stores
This new model is part of the evolution towards the so-called “Store 9”, Mercadona's modernization plan with an investment of billions of euros.
This system reorganizes the stores to:
- Give more prominence to fresh products
- Improve internal efficiency
- Reduce energy and water consumption
It also introduces centralized preparation areas that allow for improved product control and quality.
What this change implies for customers
Beyond the format, the new model represents a change in the way fish is bought:
- Faster purchase
- Less waiting
- More homogeneous product
- Greater quality control
In exchange, the weight of the traditional personalized fish market model is reduced.