Lidl overtakes Mercadona as fastest-growing Spanish grocery chain

Lidl has reached a 6.3% share of Spain’s grocery retail sector, which is 0.6 points more than last year, making it the fastest-growing chain, according to the “Distribution Balance” report from Kantar Worldpanel, which analyses the January-August 2023 period.

Lidl’s growth is built on a first quarter of the year where it gained customers from all its competitors, especially Mercadona. This took place in a positive context for retail, which grew as a whole by 8.3% (inside and outside the home), driven by the general rise in prices.

Mercadona, after a hesitant start to the year, started growing again in April, taking it to a share of 26.1%, which is 0.3 points more than a year ago.

Carrefour gained 0.2 share points to reach 9.9%. The group’s strong growth is supported by its hypermarket, which continues to gain appeal among buyers after the pandemic.