Algarve Beach Life Diaries

There's a takeover brewing in Algarve.

Rumours abound that a Spanish consortium wants to buy an Algarve market chain. But nobody's admitting anything.

The biggest bunch in Algarve is the SuperAli chain. They have shops, both large and small, dotted all over Algarve. It's unlikely that they are the target, which is good news for shoppers, since a 'hipermercado' firm would probably want to close down all the little outlets as being 'beneath them'. That would not be good for consumers, from either a convenience or choice point of view.

Anyway, I like those plucky little SuperAlis. It would be a shame if anyone messed around with them.

So, who's up for grabs? Speculation has it that the likeliest candidate is the Marrachinho chain.

I can't remember having shopped in any of their outlets, so can't comment on their value or convenience.

But, I'm intrigued by this Spanish interest in Algarve businesses...

Only last January, a Spanish group bought Vilamoura marina. Is it because Spanish tourism is on the wane, I wonder?

If so, that could mean a big boost for Algarve real estate. Maybe I should get a move on and buy something soon!

Watch this space...