According to information reported by Executive Digest, the retailer was the only Spanish company from the distribution sector to feature among the leading businesses in the category. In the overall ranking, which evaluates 300 companies across a range of industries, Mercadona placed 148th, climbing 97 positions compared to last year.

The recognition reflects the company's ongoing investment in innovation across multiple areas of its business. Mercadona has focused on developing products based on customer feedback, introducing digital solutions to improve store operations, collaborating with social organisations and working with specialised partners to identify new opportunities and technologies.

The ranking underlines the increasing importance of innovation in the retail sector, as companies seek new ways to improve efficiency, respond to changing consumer expectations and strengthen their competitiveness in the European market.

The list was published by Fortune on 18 June and highlights companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation through business strategy, technological development and customer-focused initiatives.