Why 50,000 Spanish shoppers have rushed to a new supermarket app in 24 hours

A new supermarket app, Patriorigen, has rapidly gained popularity among Spanish shoppers, with over 50,000 users reported in just 24 hours. The app allows consumers to scan supermarket products and identify whether they are of Moroccan origin, giving them a convenient way to decide whether to purchase them. The sudden interest in Patriorigen comes as tensions surrounding Ceuta fuel discussions in Spain, with some consumers choosing to avoid Moroccan products and buy Spanish alternatives.

The app has become particularly relevant in light of the ongoing debate about the conditions under which Moroccan produce competes with Spanish products. Patriorigen works by allowing shoppers to scan the barcode of an item while in the supermarket, which then checks the item against its database to provide information on its reported origin.

This information helps shoppers make informed decisions about their purchases, supporting Spanish producers and avoiding Moroccan products. The app's growth can be attributed to the growing interest in the issue and the emergence of other similar tools, such as Mercabien, a browser extension created for Mercadona's online store.

The rapid adoption of Patriorigen demonstrates a significant demand among Spanish consumers for practical ways to make purchasing decisions based on the origin of products.