Córdoba's retail market has undergone a significant transformation in the past year, notably marked by the acquisition of the historic chain Supermercados Piedra by El Jamón. This operation, one of the most significant in Andalusia's food distribution sector, has propelled the Huelva-based group into substantial expansion, positioning it close to Mercadona in provincial commercial surface area and as a benchmark in the capital.
According to Alimarket's 2025 report on distribution in Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla, Córdoba province saw a slight increase of 1.4% in commercial space dedicated to consumer goods. In total, the main distributors operate 533 stores covering 282,585 square meters in the province.
Mercadona, Juan Roig's company, remains the provincial leader in commercial surface area with 17.4% of the total, spread across 28 establishments. The company continues to update its stores and plans to open a new supermarket in the Huerta de Santa Isabel area of the capital.
El Jamón has undertaken a strong expansion by incorporating 69 stores previously operating under the Piedra, + Ahorro, M&A Tiendas, Óptima, or Proxi brands. Added to its previous 7 stores, the company now boasts 44,643 square meters of sales area, representing 15.8% of Córdoba's total. Furthermore, it manages the Plataforma Logística network with 17 distribution centers for professionals.
This operation solidifies El Jamón as the undisputed leader in Córdoba's capital, where it now operates 56 stores totaling 31,430 square meters (24.2% of the local surface area), surpassing Mercadona. The expansion also extends to municipalities such as Almodóvar del Río, Cabra, Montoro, Posadas, Puente Genil, Rute, and Villafranca de Córdoba.
Cooperativa San Rafael ranks third in territorial presence, with a network of 169 establishments under the Alsara brand, most of which are franchised. These cover 30,755 square meters (10.9% of the provincial total). The Córdoba-based group, tenth in Andalusia for space, plans further expansion in 2026, including a large building in Turruñuelos with an investment of 2.8 million euros.
Other prominent distributors in the province include Carrefour (15 stores, 20,919 m²), Dia (40 stores, 19,242 m²), MAS (10 stores, 11,850 m²), and the local chain Deza (10 stores, 11,759 m²), recognized for its quality. Almacenes Yébenes, headquartered in Priego de Córdoba, has 10 locations and 10,250 m².
In the wholesale sector, Alipensa leads with 14 establishments and 75,200 square meters (16% of the total), ranking second in Andalusia after Covalco, which integrates the Córdoba-based Caro Ruiz.
Across Andalusia, the top three positions are maintained by Mercadona, Carrefour, and Dia. Local brands are strengthening their position against major national and international chains, with new entrants like Fragadis and expansions from groups such as Ruiz Galán and Grupo MAS. Local brands account for 36.5% of the new commercial space gained in the autonomous community.
The sector's dynamism continues with new commercial licenses being processed in Córdoba. Lidl will open its fifth store on Avenida de la Arruzafa, MAS plans openings in Madres Escolapias and La Carlota, and Dia is establishing itself in Ollerías. The outlet brand Primaprix has also inaugurated its sixteenth store in Andalusia in the capital, reflecting the upward trend in consumer spending.
