Mercadona Lowers Olive Oil Prices: Here’s the New Cost
The supermarket chain is putting pressure on the rest of the market by lowering the price of a one-liter bottle to 6.95 euros. The three-liter format is now priced at 19.85 euros, down from 22.76 euros, marking a decrease of 2.91 euros.
The olive oil market has become a battleground for major supermarket chains. Mercadona, under the leadership of Juan Roig, has taken a further step in the price war by announcing a new reduction in the cost of their Suave and Intenso olive oil varieties. Starting this Wednesday, a one-liter bottle of both varieties will be sold at 6.95 euros, down from the previous price of 7.62 euros. Additionally, the price of the three-liter jug will drop to 19.85 euros, compared to its previous price of 22.76 euros, a savings of 2.91 euros.
With this latest price cut, Mercadona has adjusted the price of olive oil by 25% so far this year. This move positions the chain as one of the most competitive options in the olive oil market, contrasting with higher prices from competitors like Carrefour, which has the highest average price per liter at 11.33 euros. Following Carrefour are El Corte Inglés (Supercor and Hipercor) at 10.87 euros, Ahorramás at 10.85 euros, Día at 9.93 euros, Alcampo at 9.89 euros, Más at 8.48 euros, and finally Lidl at 8.39 euros.
The supermarket chain has found itself at the center of controversy following a government inspection into the proper application of VAT reductions on essential products, including olive oil. In response, the government is investigating the main supermarket chains—such as Mercadona, Alcampo, Aldi, Carrefour, Día, Eroski, Hipercor, and Lidl—in an effort to prevent potential widespread fraud against consumers.
Facua Launches Website to Monitor Olive Oil Prices
In response to growing concerns over olive oil prices, Facua-Consumidores en Acción has launched a website, super.FACUA.org, that will allow consumers to monitor daily price changes across six major supermarket chains: Alcampo, Carrefour, Día, Eroski, Hipercor, and Mercadona. Currently, the products being monitored include olive oils, sunflower oils, and milk, with new categories confirmed to be added in the coming months.