Best Supermarkets in Asunción for Expats
Asunción's grocery landscape is highly segmented - from European-style gourmet emporiums to chaotic wholesale markets. The smart expat "hybrid shops": bulk staples from Fortis, export-quality meat from frigoríficos, and imported luxuries from Casa Rica. The Vierci Group (Superseis/Stock) and Zuccolillo Group (Biggie) rivalry ensures continued improvement. Local produce is dirt cheap; imports carry hefty tariffs.
How We Selected
- International product selection
- Quality fresh produce and meats
- Location in expat-friendly areas
- Delivery options available
- Price-to-quality ratio
- Payment methods (cards, QR)
Casa Rica
The "Supermercado Gourmet" - the most prestigious grocery in Paraguay. Functions as social hub for the elite. German sausages, imported wines, fresh mushrooms, and the El Molinillo in-store restaurant.
Delimarket
Retail S.A.'s premium answer to Casa Rica. Anchors Shopping del Sol with heavy emphasis on imported goods and gourmet fresh produce. Mall convenience with upscale selection.
Superseis
The standard-bearer of Paraguayan middle class since 1970. Flagship at Paseo La Galería anchors the corporate axis. Full-spectrum coverage: produce, deli, rotisserie, pharmacy. Strong e-commerce platform.
Stock
Mass-market powerhouse with 45+ stores. Aggressive pricing and high-volume sales. Mall Excelsior location renovated and serves downtown expats. Best for budget-conscious regular shopping.
Fortis Mayorista
The price leader - wholesale "Cash & Carry" model. Tiered pricing with volume discounts (often 3+ units). Vast warehouse format. Budget imperative for families buying non-perishables.
Biggie Express
The 24-hour convenience revolution. 263 stores serving 4M customers/month. Now 50% owned by Zuccolillo Group (Banco Atlas). Essential for emergency/off-hours but premium pricing.
Mercado 4
The "souk" of South America - sprawling open-air bazaar. Setting for film "7 Cajas." Unbeatable prices for fresh produce. "Barrio Chino" section for Asian groceries. Not for the faint-hearted.
Beef Boutique Asunción
Premium meat boutique for asado aficionados. Curated cuts with staff advice. Artisanal sausages and cheeses. Part retail, part restaurant - rated 4.8/5.
Frigorífico Guaraní Outlets
Direct from meatpacker - export-quality cuts at wholesale prices. Seasoned matambre, entraña, premium burgers. Better quality than supermarket at better prices.
La Marchante
Dedicated natural food market focusing on organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free products. Supports small producers. Essential for expats with dietary restrictions.
AgroShopping (Farmers Market)
Tuesday farmers market in Shopping Mariscal parking. Hydroponic and organic produce direct from growers. Air-conditioned, safe, premium quality.
Gangnam Supermarket
Korean grocery serving Asian diaspora. Essential imports: kimchi, gochujang, frozen dumplings, instant noodles. Restaurant attached. Organized alternative to Mercado 4 chaos.
Pro Tips
- 1Hybrid shop: Fortis for bulk staples, Casa Rica for imports, Mercado 4 for produce
- 2PedidosYa and Monchis deliver from most stores - but use refrigerated trucks for perishables
- 3Local products (meat ~$8/kg, produce) are incredibly cheap - imports carry 2-3x markup
- 4Cold chain warning: delivery via motorcycle can spoil meat/dairy in 35°C+ heat
- 5Tuesday AgroShopping at Mariscal is the expat produce ritual - arrive by 9am
- 6Mennonite Trebol brand (via Frigorífico Chortitzer) is gold standard for dairy
- 7Mall Excelsior Stock is best for downtown expats - recently renovated
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best supermarket in Asunción?
For gourmet imports: Casa Rica or Delimarket. For mainstream shopping: Superseis (best balance). For budget: Fortis Mayorista or Stock. For fresh produce: Mercado 4 or Tuesday AgroShopping at Mariscal.
Where can I find Asian groceries in Asunción?
Gangnam Supermarket on Av. Perú has Korean imports (kimchi, gochujang, noodles). Mercado 4's "Barrio Chino" section has bulk spices and Chinese ingredients at lower prices but chaotic shopping.
Is there grocery delivery in Asunción?
Yes. PedidosYa and Monchis (100% Paraguayan) deliver from most chains. Superseis and Casa Rica have their own platforms. Warning: motorcycle delivery can compromise cold chain - use refrigerated truck options for meat/dairy.
How much do groceries cost in Paraguay?
Local products are very cheap: milk ~$0.80-1.20/L, beef ~$8/kg, pineapple ~$0.33, tomatoes ~$0.66/bag. Imported goods (chocolate, cereal, European products) cost 2-3x US prices due to tariffs. Budget $200-300/month eating local, $400-600 with imports.
Where do expats buy meat in Asunción?
Beef Boutique for premium cuts with expert advice. Frigorífico Guaraní outlets for export-quality at wholesale prices. Frigorífico Chortitzer (Mennonite) for the gold standard. Supermarket meat is decent but frigoríficos offer better quality/value.
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