Las grandes cadenas intensifican la guerra de precios: estos son los supermercados más caros y más baratos de España

The Spanish consumer organization OCU has released its annual study ranking Spain's cheapest supermarkets. The research reveals that the prices of BM Urban and Ahorramas have risen above the general inflation rate, while most other chains have lowered their prices. Selecting the right supermarket for purchases can significantly impact the total cost.

OCU's study, which gathered 101,520 prices from 690 stores across 189 cities, found that consumers can save an average of 1,310 euros annually depending on the chosen chain. Dani, recently acquired by El Jamón, remains at the top of the cheapest supermarkets list, followed by Family Cash, Tifer, Alcampo, and Supeco. Alcampo's hypermarkets continue to be the most affordable in many locations, while Hipercor, El Corte Inglés, Supercor, and Sánchez Romero are among the most expensive, all belonging to the same group.

The study collected data on a basket of 244 products across 80 categories, including fresh food, packaged goods, hygiene items, and both branded and own-brand products. OCU notes that the average annual price increase for these products is 1.8%, although the rate varies greatly among categories. Fresh produce prices have risen by 4.7% on average, with fish prices up by 8.6%, compared to a 3.7% increase in meat prices and 3.5% for fruits and vegetables.

Packaged goods have seen a smaller increase of 1.4%. On the other hand, branded product prices have risen by 2%, while white-label brands have increased by 0.8%, largely due to strategies employed by leading supermarket chains. Over the past five years, food prices have increased by 39.5%. The organization highlights that not all chains have implemented the same pricing policies.

BM and Ahorramas have increased their prices above the general inflation rate, while most others have raised prices below the inflation rate, with eight chains (Consum, Family Cash, Supeco, E.Leclerc, Aldi, Mercadona, Lidl, and Carrefour Market) lowering their prices. Consumers can save up to 4,381 euros annually in Madrid, while savings in cities like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Castellón, Zaragoza, Toledo, Molina de Segura, Fuengirola, or Vigo range between 1,950 and 2,150 euros.