Mercadona's Major Expansion: 200 New Jobs Coming to Algarve in 2026

Mercadona's Expansion into the Algarve

Mercadona is set to arrive in the Algarve in the last quarter of 2026, with the opening of two supermarkets in Portimão and Faro, creating 200 new jobs. The recruitment process for these positions is already underway.

Just days after marking the opening of 65 stores in Portugal, spanning 12 of the country's 18 districts, the Spanish supermarket chain has confirmed its expansion further south. This move comes seven years after the first store opened in Portugal in Canidelo (Vila Nova de Gaia) in July 2019.

Inês Santos, Director of Institutional Relations for Mercadona in Portugal, commented: "The arrival in the Algarve region has been highly requested for several years and represents a significant milestone in our internationalization journey. It brings the natural challenges of an area that combines seasonality with year-round life, which our teams were eager to tackle. Additionally, many of our current customers in Portugal see the Algarve as a link to Mercadona, having known us from trips to Ayamonte for many years."

Expansion to Beja and the Algarve in 2026

The arrival in the Algarve coincides with the chain's planned entry into Beja, the second Alentejo city to receive the brand, two years after its debut in Évora. This southern expansion follows the start of operations at the Almeirim logistics hub, where the company invested 290 million euros to support operations in the south and across the country.

The exact investment for the Algarve expansion is not disclosed, but this year, the company plans to invest over 157 million euros, bringing the total investment in Portugal—its first international market—to over 1.1 billion euros. Mercadona currently employs around 7,000 people in Portugal.

Additional Store Openings This Year

This year, the retailer has several store openings scheduled. On October 9, the third store in Matosinhos (on Rua de São Gens) will open; on October 16, stores in Frielas (Loures) and Palmela will debut; and in November, the first two stores in Lisbon will open, located in Alta de Lisboa and Quinta do Lambert, along with a store in Porto (Amial), completing the total of 10 stores planned for this year.

Recruitment for the Algarve Starts Now

Despite the Algarve openings being scheduled for late 2026, the chain is already recruiting for the 200 open positions in Portimão and Faro, for roles ranging from supermarket operator to maintenance assistant.

All new employees undergo a training period—starting in January 2026 in existing Portuguese stores—and are offered a permanent contract with pay from day one. During training, all expenses are covered by the company, including meals, transport, accommodation, and trips home every 15 days for all staff.

This year, the company announced an 8.5% increase in the base salary to 1,247 euros gross per month, plus daily meal allowances and supplements for Sundays, holidays, and night work. With the achievement of individual and company goals, employees also receive an Annual Bonus, equivalent to an extra salary after the first full calendar year and two extra salaries after four years of service.