Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África Achieves International Recognition
The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África has received yet another prestigious international recognition. The iconic market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is now the only retail market in Spain to be a full member of the World Union of Market Vendors (WUWM). This organisation unites some of the leading food markets globally while promoting sustainable and innovative commercial models linked to local products. This membership elevates the Santa Cruz market to a prominent international platform typically reserved for large food distribution networks. Furthermore, La Recova becomes the only retail market in the Canary Islands with direct representation in this entity, thus enhancing the international profile of traditional trade within the archipelago.
An International Acknowledgment
The World Union of Markets comprises nearly 200 organisations from 44 countries. Its aim is to foster experience exchange, modernise markets, and advocate for their critical role as vital spaces for local economies and proximity food sources. The inclusion of the Mercado de África in this international network signifies much more than a mere symbolic recognition. Moving forward, the market will have a voice and vote in meetings and assemblies that address sector challenges and debate strategies that will shape the future of food markets worldwide.
This decision followed an evaluation that considered factors such as commitment to local products, adaptability to new consumer habits, service digitalisation, and the preservation of a business model that emphasises proximity between traders and customers.
Tradition and Modernity Under One Roof
One of the attributes that particularly impressed the evaluation committee was the market’s ability to evolve while retaining its identity. Opened in 1943, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África is one of the most recognisable spaces in the capital of Tenerife. Its architecture, now an iconic image of Santa Cruz, coexists with a commercial offer that merges traditional stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and cheeses with modern gastronomic proposals that cater to current demands.
This balance between history and modernity has been a significant factor in setting the market apart from other European markets. The international organisation highlights this capacity to keep the essence of traditional trade alive while incorporating technological tools, sustainability improvements, and new experiences for both residents and visitors.
A Boost for Gastronomic Tourism
Membership in the WUWM also presents an opportunity to strengthen Tenerife’s position within the burgeoning gastronomic tourism market. Increasingly, travellers seek experiences linked to the local culture and cuisine of the destinations they visit. In this context, traditional markets have become essential gateways to discover local products and customs.
La Recova has established itself over the years as a key reference point for visitors to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its specialised stalls featuring Canarian products, the presence of small producers, and its gastronomic offerings have made it a regular stop for both tourists and residents. This new international accolade may further enhance its visibility and solidify the market’s role as a showcase for Canarian agri-food production.
Among the Best Markets in the World
This is not the first time the Mercado de África has been recognised beyond the Islands. In recent years, various specialised publications and international media have underscored its uniqueness. Notably, it was included by the British newspaper The Guardian in a list of the best traditional markets in the world, a distinction that helped boost its profile among foreign visitors.
With its incorporation into the World Union of Markets, the venue now boasts another endorsement that strengthens its prestige beyond the Canary Islands and connects it to a global network sharing space with some of the world’s most prominent markets. For Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this recognition also serves as an opportunity to bolster the city’s image as a gastronomic and commercial destination, while for the Canary Islands, it represents a new international showcase for their products, traders, and traditional market model.
