It is the most convenient supermarket in Italy | Neither Coop nor Lidl: first place belongs to another chain

In the increasingly dynamic panorama of Italian large-scale retail trade, where the shopping cart has become a key indicator of families’ purchasing power, Altroconsumo’s annual survey of the most convenient supermarkets is awaited with particular interest. Every year, millions of Italians look for the best formula to contain costs, browsing offers, promotions and the growing variety of chains available. Until recently, the collective imagination tended to identify big names such as Coop, Esselunga or even historic discounters such as Lidl and Eurospin, as the champions of savings. However, the latest data for 2025 appears to completely rewrite this narrative, revealing a surprising winner and opening up new vistas for the budget-conscious consumer.

The importance of these rankings is not just academic; offers practical and concrete guidance for those who, on a daily basis, find themselves having to make important economic choices. In a period characterized by economic uncertainties and inflation, Knowing where to shop smarter can make a significant difference to your family budget. This context makes the results of the latest Altroconsumo survey not only interesting, but essential to guide purchasing habits.

How Altroconsumo drew up the ranking: the methodology

To reach reliable and useful conclusions, Altroconsumo employs a rigorous and transparent methodology. The research is based on the collection of thousands of prices in hundreds of points of sale distributed throughout the national territory. Several factors are taken into consideration, including product variety, perceived quality and, of course, cost. A “typical shopping cart” of essential products – including branded, private label and cheaper products – is compiled and precisely monitored in supermarkets, hypermarkets and discount stores.

The data collected for 2025 highlighted a clear supremacy of one chain in particular. Contrary to what many might expect, it is not the historic cooperatives or the giants with branches everywhere that are leading the way. The title of the most convenient supermarket in Italy for 2025, according to Altroconsumo, goes to Eurospin. This result is particularly significant because Eurospin, an Italian discount store, has been able to overcome competitors who are often perceived as unbeatable in terms of prices.

The key to Eurospin’s success probably lies in its business model. Focusing mainly on a own brand and by adopting a low operating cost strategy, the chain has managed to maintain extremely competitive prices without compromising its customers’ perception of quality. This approach, combined with an efficient supply chain, has allowed it to offer exceptional value, earning it the top spot in the affordability rankings.

What it means for consumers and how to save

Practical guide for consumers: understanding and saving as best as possible.

Eurospin’s emergence as a convenience leader for 2025 sends a clear message to consumers: habit and loyalty to traditional chains may not always be the wisest choice from an economic point of view. This data invites you to reconsider your spending habits and explore options which, although perhaps not in your list of usual preferences, can offer substantial savings.

To maximize savings, it is advisable not to blindly rely on a single chain. An effective strategy can include the “mixed shopping”: buy specific products where they are most convenient, perhaps alternating different supermarkets for different product categories. For example, discount stores may be ideal for private label products, while large stores may offer better deals on promoted brand-name products. Furthermore, learning to read labels, comparing prices per kilo or per liter and taking advantage of “3×2” or “get 2, pay 1” offers can lead to considerable savings.

In conclusion, the Altroconsumo ranking for 2025 is not just a statistical curiosity, but a powerful tool for Italian consumers. It highlights the importance of being informed and flexible in your purchasing choices. In a constantly evolving market, being aware of who offers the best value for money allows you not only to save money, but also to make better choices. aware and intelligent for your wallet. Eurospin has proven to be the cheapest, but the real saving lies in the ability of each consumer to adapt and choose wisely.