The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, better known as La Recova, has become the only traditional retail market in Spain to join the World Union of Markets as a full member, placing Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the international map of food markets, local commerce and gastronomic tourism.
La Recova de Santa Cruz de Tenerife has taken a historic step for traditional trade in the Canary Islands and Spain. The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África has become the only retail food market in the country to be accepted as a full member of the World Union of Markets, an international organisation dedicated to the development, promotion and modernisation of food markets around the world.
This recognition represents an unprecedented milestone for local commerce in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It places La Recova within a global network of markets that share experiences, strategies and best practices linked to food distribution, sustainability, digitalisation, local produce and the future of traditional trade.
The decision also strengthens the role of the Tenerife market as one of the most emblematic commercial and gastronomic spaces in the Canary Islands. From now on, La Recova will not only be recognised as a local landmark, but also as part of an international platform where the future of food markets is discussed.
Spain’s only traditional retail market in the organisation
With this membership, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África becomes the only traditional retail market in Spain to form part of the World Union of Markets as a full member.
According to the organisation, the Santa Cruz market is also the only retail market in the Canary Islands to join this international body. This places La Recova alongside major Spanish food distribution platforms such as Mercamadrid and Mercabarna, although its character as a traditional retail market gives it a distinctive identity within the organisation.
The achievement highlights the growing international importance of local markets, not only as places for buying food, but also as spaces linked to culture, identity, tourism, sustainability and urban life.
Recognition for local produce, tradition and innovation
The World Union of Markets evaluation committee highlighted several factors that helped La Recova stand out. Among them are its support for local trade and local produce, its ability to preserve tradition while embracing innovation, and its commitment to digitalisation and sustainability.
The market was also recognised for successfully combining its traditional commercial activity with new gastronomic and tourism trends. This balance has allowed La Recova to remain a daily shopping space for residents while also becoming an attractive destination for visitors.
Another element valued by the organisation is the quality of service offered by the market, together with the excellence of Canarian produce. The friendly atmosphere, the variety of fresh products and the direct connection with local traders are part of what has made La Recova one of the most recognisable markets in the Archipelago.
A historic market adapted to the 21st century
The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África has been part of Santa Cruz de Tenerife since 1943. Its architecture, atmosphere and commercial identity have made it one of the city’s most beloved spaces.
However, the international recognition also underlines the market’s ability to adapt to the demands of the 21st century. La Recova has managed to preserve its architectural and historical essence while diversifying its commercial offer and responding to new consumer habits.
This combination of heritage and modernisation has been one of the keys to its success. The market continues to function as a traditional food market, but it has also evolved into a space connected to gastronomy, tourism, sustainability and local culture.
A new voice in global market forums
As a full member of the World Union of Markets, La Recova will now have direct representation in international assemblies where the future of food markets is debated.
This means that the Santa Cruz market will be able to participate in discussions on global strategies affecting traditional markets, local food systems, digital transformation, sustainability, urban commerce and the promotion of fresh produce.
For Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the membership also strengthens the city’s international profile. It offers a new opportunity to position the capital as a reference point for local trade, food culture and gastronomic tourism.
A boost for gastronomic tourism in Santa Cruz
The recognition of La Recova comes at a time when food markets are increasingly valued as tourist attractions. Visitors are no longer interested only in monuments or beaches; they also seek authentic local experiences, traditional products and places where they can understand the everyday life of a city.
In this sense, La Recova plays a key role in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its stalls, architecture, colours, local produce and atmosphere make it one of the most representative places in the capital.
The market’s entry into the World Union of Markets can help strengthen its position as a must-visit space for those interested in Canarian gastronomy, fresh produce and the traditional commercial life of the island.
International prestige for a Canarian landmark
La Recova has already received international attention in the past. The British newspaper The Guardian included the market among the ten best traditional markets in the world, a recognition that helped reinforce its reputation beyond the Canary Islands.
The new membership of the World Union of Markets confirms that the market’s appeal is not limited to its architectural beauty or tourist interest. It also reflects the quality of its management, its commitment to local trade and its ability to adapt without losing its identity.
A success for traditional trade in Tenerife
The management of the Nuestra Señora de África services cooperative has described this achievement as a success not only for the market itself, but also for the wider model of traditional commerce in Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
The recognition shows that local markets can remain relevant in a changing commercial landscape. Far from being outdated spaces, they can become modern, sustainable, digital and internationally connected while continuing to support local producers and neighbourhood life.
For La Recova, this new stage represents both recognition and responsibility. Its inclusion in the World Union of Markets confirms its status as one of the great traditional markets of Spain and reinforces its role as a symbol of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canarian gastronomy and local commerce.
