How to make the purchase in Portugal

A new world. If there is something radically different in each country, it is the supermarkets. Have you already lived abroad? You will then have had to adapt your consumption habits. Different products, different prices, different surfaces … going to the supermarket is quite an excursion the first few times you go.

However, there are large supermarket chains that cross borders and that you can find them in different countries to which you travel, especially in Europe. Thus, they will make you feel a little more at home. But, don’t get your hopes up, that there is the same supermarket as in Spain does not mean that you will find the same products.

In this short article, I will guide you on how to make a purchase in Portugal. In Portugal there are 6 large supermarket chains that you will find in practically all the cities and towns of the country:

• Pingo Doce: quality-price, competitive prices, and varied products. These supermarkets have been given the nickname of Mercadona de Portugal since they have the same business philosophy and are among the leaders in the sector.
• Intermarché: the brand is originally French. After some time in the Portuguese country, you will appreciate that there is a strong Franco-Portuguese bond as a result of historical events, which currently translates into a considerable influence of French culture in Portuguese culture. This is the reason why some French brands have expanded their market to Portugal.
• Auchan: another supermarket of French origin. It is clear that they have known how to enter the Portuguese market. You will find products and prices similar to those you find in the Auchan in Spain, which for a few decades have been called Alcampo.
• Lidl : you probably know this one. In recent years it has spread throughout Spain, gaining a notable market share. Maybe you have not bought much in this establishment since it is a question of large surfaces that at the moment have only been installed in cities or commercial areas.
• Minipreço : Dia’s brand in Portugal. If you liked this supermarket in Spain, it is likely that you will find one close to where you live since they are growing little by little but at a good pace. They have about 700 establishments.
• Continente MC hypermarkets, Continente Modelo, and Continente Bom Dia supermarkets:  one of the largest and most powerful groups in Portuguese distribution. Its configuration and philosophy could be compared to the Carrefour model (Carrefour, Carrefour Market, Carrefour express).

Depending on the area and proximity to Spain, it will be easier for you to find products and establishments similar to what you are getting used to. You will find, for example, Covirán stores, which is trying to expand in the Portuguese market, and Mercadona, which has already opened a dozen stores and plans to reach the leaders of the sector.