In fruit and vegetables, what volumes are handled by companies operating in the market?
The Central Fruit and Vegetable Market at Mercamadrid marketed more than 2 million tonnes of fruit, vegetables and potatoes in 2025. Overall, the food hub handles more than 3.6 million tonnes of fresh food annually, including not only fruit and vegetables, but also fish and meat.
Around 150 specialised wholesale companies operate exclusively within the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, making Mercamadrid one of the most important fruit and vegetable distribution platforms in Europe.
How has the removal of the 2032 time limitation affected the market?
The removal of the 2032 time limit is a historic milestone for the future of Mercamadrid. It ensures the market’s continuity indefinitely and consolidates its role as a leading European hub for food distribution, serving both the business ecosystem and the city’s supply needs.
In the short term, this change encourages long-term investment, strengthens competitiveness, drives infrastructure modernisation and supports the maintenance of 9,000 jobs, while also fostering new job creation and reinforcing its leadership position.
What improvements are planned in the short, medium and long term?
Continuous improvement is part of Mercamadrid’s DNA. Progress is being made in the modernisation of key infrastructure and in the digitalisation of operations and systems. This year, the comprehensive renovation of the commercial area will be completed, covering a surface of 11,000 m², revitalising this space as a meeting point and service hub within the food unit.
Work is also progressing on the Smart Urban Space initiative, within the framework of the European project MOBILITIES FOR EU, which promotes the development of more sustainable, digital and connected urban ecosystems.
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At the end of 2025, the Board of Directors approved a minimum investment commitment of €20 million in the central markets up to 2032, in addition to the regular annual investments for maintenance and improvements. These investments are structured around four strategic lines: modernisation and digitalisation of facilities to optimise business operations; reduction of carbon footprint and energy consumption through infrastructure upgrades and increased efficiency; strengthening of operational and logistics capacity; and enhancement of competitiveness as a key element of the food chain.
How has the number of companies in the market evolved in recent years?
In recent years, there has been high occupancy and business stability. Mercamadrid currently brings together more than 800 companies across different food sectors, around 150 of which are dedicated specifically to fruit and vegetables.
Although figures may vary slightly from year to year, the general trend is one of stability and slight growth, with occupancy rates above 95%. In the specific case of the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, occupancy stands at 100%, reflecting the strong attractiveness of the market for companies in the sector.
Has the podcast “Alimenta Tu Rutina” been well received? What other promotional actions are being carried out?
In December 2025, the video podcast “Alimenta Tu Rutina” was launched, an audiovisual format aimed at promoting healthy eating habits, wellbeing and nutrition, featuring chefs, doctors and experts. Although it is a recent project, it has been very well received on social media and digital platforms, surpassing 1.2 million views.
In addition, Mercamadrid carries out other promotional and outreach actions, such as an audiovisual project with the NGO Gastronomía Solidaria, highlighting emerging culinary talent and social commitment through training for young people in vulnerable situations. It also produces the “Mercamadrid Tips” video series, in which companies within the food hub share their knowledge about fresh products through recipes and practical advice for consumers.
Other initiatives include professional, academic and hospitality sector visits, programmes for new buyers, reverse trade missions and general visits, as well as participation in sector events such as Fruit Attraction and Madrid Fusión, among others.
How do you see the future of Mercamadrid?
With optimism and a strong future ahead, full of opportunities. A new phase is opening in which the food hub can grow and improve its competitiveness, supported by significant investments aimed at adapting infrastructure to the needs of companies and providing the services required for their own investment and growth strategies.
All of this takes place within a framework of legal certainty, following the removal of the 2032 time limitation.
