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Barcelona plans affordable public supermarkets inspired by New York
Barcelona aims to open its first affordable public supermarket in 2027, following New York's example. The project seeks to ensure access to fresh, quality food in lower-income neighbourhoods. Not all political parties are in favour.
The first pilot will open in Marina del Prat Vermell in 2027
A public supermarket in Barcelona? Yes, and it’s not science fiction. The City Council has announced that in 2027 the first establishment of this kind will open in Marina del Prat Vermell, with the idea of expanding the network to other neighbourhoods where buying fresh and affordable products isn’t always easy.
The proposal, reminiscent of the model introduced in New York, has sparked a debate that goes far beyond food: can a big city guarantee quality food for everyone, regardless of income?
A model imported from New York
The inspiration comes from afar, or rather from New York, where mayor Zohran Mamdani has promoted a network of public supermarkets with affordable prices. Jaume Collboni, mayor of Barcelona, recently met with Mamdani at the Urban 20 summit and decided to adapt the idea to Barcelona’s reality.
The plan is to set up these shops in municipal premises, managed by non-profit organisations and supported by the City Council. The goal is clear: that anyone, wherever they live and whatever they earn, can fill their fridge with fresh, quality products.
Training and employment at the heart of the project
It’s not just about selling fruit and fish at good prices. The project also aims to be a springboard for employment: the supermarkets will be linked to vocational training programmes in trades such as greengrocer, fishmonger, or customer service. So, as well as making shopping easier, new job opportunities will open up for those seeking work.
Where and when will the first public supermarket open?
For now, only one pilot has been confirmed: Marina del Prat Vermell will be the first neighbourhood to launch this model, with opening planned for 2027. If the experience works, the network will expand to other vulnerable or newly developed areas where access to basic products is more difficult.
Criticism and doubts from the opposition
Not everyone is pleased with the news. Junts, PP y Vox have called the initiative “populist” and warn that it could mean “unfair competition” for the city’s supermarkets and small shops. Even Barcelona en Comú has expressed scepticism, calling the announcement “insufficient” and “empty” due to the lack of a concrete project.
In a city where life is getting more expensive and inequality is creeping into the shopping basket, the move towards affordable public supermarkets is, at the very least, a statement of intent. If the pilot in Marina del Prat Vermell manages to show that another way of shopping is possible, Barcelona could set a precedent in the fight for decent, accessible food for all. But, as always, the real test will come when residents walk through those doors for the first time.