Spain’s largest retailer has “positively thrived” in the country’s austere economy as it developed a hybrid discounter approach. Sales grew 8% and net profit rose 19% in the latest financial year as the retailer extended its market share lead over rivals Carrefour, Eroski and Auchan. With an “excellent private label range” based on close relationships with local suppliers, it plans to expand operations to other European countries using the same formula. Pictured above is Mercadona boss Juan Roig.

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