Whether you have just arrived in Paraguay or are already settled into the Asunción Metropolitan Area, the necessity for shopping for groceries will undoubtedly arise sooner or later. This handy guide provides a straightforward overview of Asunción’s supermarkets, and convenience stores. From well-known national chains to delightful local neighbourhood shops, making it easy to explore the best places to stock up.
For those living in, or planning to move to other major Paraguayan cities, such as Ciudad del Este or Encarnación, this guide has some useful tips for those locations too. To top it off, a few practical pointers are included to make shopping trips more enjoyable, helping you uncover great products and bargains.
About supermarkets
Supermarkets in Asunción are scattered throughout the city, and are often the best option for one-stop grocery shopping. Although they are less common in the city centre, there are still a few located in, or near it.
Supermarkets typically offer a wide variety of products, such as:
- Packaged, canned, and fresh food.
- Ready-to-go meals (such as salads, pasta, rice, empanadas, roasted meats, etc.).
- Household items and cleaning products.
- School and office supplies.
- Personal care and toiletry products.
Many supermarkets also offer delivery services, in-store pickup, and online shopping during their opening hours. This allows you to compare prices from the comfort of your home, saving both time and money. In Asunción and across Paraguay, most supermarkets are open from 6, or 7 AM, until 9 PM.
Popular supermarkets
Areté: Formerly known as Archi, this suburban supermarket chain was rebranded as Areté in 2018. Their “Javy’a” concept aims to create a more enjoyable shopping experience. Most locations are found slightly outside Asunción, or in capital neighbourhoods bordering other cities. Areté is a modern, well-stocked supermarket with online shopping and quality products. Areté is comparable to Stop & Shop in the US, or Tesco and Albert Heijn in Europe. .
Casa Rica: Founded in 1989 by Hertha Lange de Hiebl, Casa Rica began as a bakery and eatery before evolving into a gourmet supermarket. Known for high-quality products and excellent in-house meals, Casa Rica is ideal for sourcing specific ingredients, or grabbing a quick, tasty lunch. Comparable to Safeway in the US or Whole Foods Market, Sobeys in Canada, or Waitrose and Marks & Spencer Foodhall in the UK.
Fortis: While the parent company dates back to 1933, the Fortis brand was launched in 2012. Fortis is a wholesale supermarket ideal for bulk buying, perfect for events or large family gatherings. The supermarket is comparable to Costco in the US and Canada, or Makro in Europe.
Supermercado Real: Operating since 1997, the first Real location opened in Villa Morra. The focus is on providing fresh products. Real offers online shopping and a wide range of items. Supermecado Real can be compared to the food section of Walmart or Piggly Wiggly in the US, and Carrefour Market in Europe.
Supermercado Stock: Established in 1995 and under new ownership since 2003, Stock has significantly expanded. It is now one of the country’s largest chains, with over 45 stores nationwide. Known for competitive pricing and promotions, Stock is comparable to Kroger or Smith’s in the US, and Lidl or Aldi in Europe.
Superseis (S6): The brand name dates back to 1970 when six supermarkets merged under one name. With more than 30 locations across the country, Superseis is one of Paraguay’s most popular chains. It offers a diverse product range, including pharmacy items, small appliances, ready meals, and online ordering. Superseis can be likened to Hannaford in the US, Loblaws in Canada, or Carrefour Market in Europe..
Supermarket brands from Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este
La Familia: Based in Encarnación, La Familia is considered an affordable and well-stocked supermarket. La Familia can be compared to No Frills or Maxi in Canada, and to Gran Vía in Paraguay.
Gran Vía: Originally from Ciudad del Este, this chain has expanded to other cities, including Asunción. With a wide variety of products, Gran Vía can be compared to Albertsons in the US.
Types of convenience stores
Despensas are small, family-run grocery shops, often located within or beside the owner’s home. They typically stock essentials such as rice, oil, sugar, soft drinks, cleaning supplies, and snacks. Each one is different, and may operate on a cash-only basis, so carry some cash just in case.
Bodegas specialise in alcoholic beverages. Expect to find a broad selection of beer, wine, spirits, and mixers. Some offer delivery services.
Alongside these, several national convenience store chains have widespread locations in major cities.
Popular convenience store chains
Biggie Express: Arguably the most common convenience store chain in Paraguay, Biggie is open 24/7 and found nearly everywhere. Biggie stocks everything, from drinks and snacks to frozen foods, fruit, vegetables, hygiene products, and ready-to-eat meals like empanadas. Comparable to 7-Eleven, Spar, or Mac’s/Couche-Tard.
Despensa Juanchi: A smaller chain with fewer locations, Juanchi is still popular for its convenience and quirky marketing.
S6 Express and Stock Expres: These smaller-format locations of the larger supermarket chains are also open 24/7., and perfect for last-minute or late-night purchases.
Final tips
- Promos and cards: Look out for loyalty programmes and bank card discounts, you could save quite a bit.
- Peak hours: Shopping early in the morning or around midday can help you avoid crowds. Weekends are usually busy. To make the most of your visit, you might also want to understand what times Paraguayans eat: local routines can influence store hours, and food availability.
- Saving+eco tip: Bring your own reusable bags; most stores charge a small fee for plastic ones.
- Local flavour: For fresh produce and meat, try Mercado 4, Mercado de Abasto, or AgroShopping. These offer a traditional experience and better prices. Mercado de Abasto is the primary wholesale and retail market in Asunción, located in the San Pablo neighbourhood along Avenida Defensores del Chaco. AgroShopping is a weekly market held every Tuesday in the parking garage of Shopping Mariscal, offering fresh, local, and often organic products directly from farmers and artisans.
- Petrol station shops: Do not underestimate these. Many large stations have well-stocked minimarkets open 24/7, offering:
- Sandwiches, burgers, empanadas.
- Coffee and breakfast items.
- Toiletries, ice, batteries, and car care products.
Happy shopping, and enjoy discovering what Asunción’s stores have to offer!
