Turkish Supermarket File Copies Mercadona and Now Faces EU Probe 2026

A Turkish supermarket chain called File has been making waves for its striking resemblance to Spain's Mercadona, and now it faces an investigation from Brussels. The probe raises questions about trademark infringement and fair competition in the retail sector.

File, launched in 2015, has expanded across Turkey with a business model and aesthetic that closely mirror Mercadona's. From the logo and color scheme to the emphasis on private label products and low prices, File has been described as a copycat. Mercadona, led by Juan Roig, has focused its efforts on Spain and Portugal, but the similarities have not gone unnoticed.

What Is File and Why Does It Look Like Mercadona?

File is a Turkish supermarket chain that started in 2015. It has grown rapidly across Turkey, with stores in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The chain's branding is nearly identical to Mercadona's: the same green and red colors, similar typography, and even a comparable logo design.

Beyond the visual cues, File also adopts Mercadona's philosophy of prioritizing private label products and competitive pricing. This strategy has resonated with Turkish consumers, but it has also drawn criticism for being overly derivative.

The Legal Move That Triggered the Probe

After a decade of expansion in Turkey, File's owners made a legal move that brings them closer to Europe. The exact purpose is unclear, but it has activated alarms at Mercadona. The European Commission is now investigating whether File's actions constitute trademark infringement or unfair competition.

Mercadona has not commented publicly on the investigation, but the company is likely monitoring the situation closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how far copycat brands can go in mimicking successful retailers.

Why Brussels Is Investigating

The European Union has strict rules on trademarks and intellectual property. If File is found to have infringed on Mercadona's trademarks, it could face penalties or be forced to rebrand. The investigation is in its early stages, but it highlights the challenges of protecting brand identity in a globalized market.

For Mercadona, the probe is a chance to defend its brand. For File, it could be a costly disruption to its growth plans. The case also raises broader questions about the line between inspiration and imitation in retail.

• File's branding closely mimics Mercadona's, from colors to logo design.
• The EU investigation focuses on potential trademark infringement.
• Mercadona's response has been silent, but the company is likely concerned.
• File's expansion could be impacted if the probe leads to legal action.
• The case may set a precedent for copycat retailers in Europe.

How File Compares to Mercadona

What This Means for Mercadona and File

For Mercadona, the investigation is a defensive move to protect its brand equity. The company has built a strong identity around its private label products and store experience, and it doesn't want competitors to free-ride on that reputation. Context on how this played out before sits in Turkish Supermarket File Copies Mercadona and Now Faces EU Probe.

For File, the probe could be a major setback. If the EU rules against the chain, it may have to change its branding and business practices, which could confuse customers and slow its growth. The investigation also puts a spotlight on File's strategy, which has been criticized as unoriginal. The background to this story is set out in Trending: latest articles. A related thread runs through Adults-Only Weddings in Spain: Why Couples Are Banning Kids.

The Broader Implications for Retail

The case is being watched closely by retailers across Europe. Many companies borrow elements from successful competitors, but there's a fine line between inspiration and infringement. The EU's decision could clarify where that line lies. Earlier coverage in French Novel Accused of AI Writing: The Literary World's Dilemma shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in How Germany Sank Its Own Fleet in 1919 and Created a Nuclear Treasure.

For now, Mercadona continues to focus on its core markets, while File faces an uncertain future. The investigation is a reminder that in the world of retail, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery—but it can also lead to legal trouble. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Supermarket Kefir: Why Most Products Aren't Real Kefir. The same theme surfaces in Xbox Layoffs and Studio Closures: Is There a Real Plan, which takes a different angle.

FAQ