Summary: Ederpesca and Bacalalo are two leading online cod retailers in Spain, each with its own unique identity. Ederpesca focuses on Basque tradition and collaborations with chefs like Karlos Arguiñano, while Bacalalo has been at Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot since 1990, offering premium Icelandic cod and a broader catalog of seafood products. In this comparison, we objectively analyze their catalogs, prices, origins, and offerings to help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Table of contents
Introduction: two cod philosophies
Buying quality cod online is not always easy. The market is full of generic options in supermarkets, but when you are looking for a premium product—well-cured, well-cut, with verifiable origin—the options are considerably reduced. Two names stand out among the specialists: Ederpesca, with deep roots in the Basque cod tradition, and Bacalalo, with over three decades of experience in Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot.
Both stores share a passion for a noble product, but their approach, catalog, and value proposition are different. This comparison analyzes both options with public and objective data to help you make the best decision based on what you are looking for.
Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.
Who is Ederpesca
Ederpesca is a company specializing in cod based in the Basque Country. Its proposal revolves around the Basque cod tradition, one of the most deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula. The Basque Country has a centuries-old relationship with cod: Basque fishermen were among the first Europeans to cross the Atlantic in search of cod, and Basque cuisine has developed some of the world's most iconic preparations for this fish.
Ederpesca capitalizes on this heritage with a catalog focused exclusively on cod and derived products. One of its most recognizable hallmarks is the collaboration with Karlos Arguiñano, one of the most popular chefs on Spanish television, who provides recipes and recommendations linked to their products. This collaboration gives Ederpesca considerable media visibility and recognized gastronomic endorsement.
Its catalog includes specialized cuts such as cod sirloin, Gran Chef loin, special pil pil loin, kokotxas (hake cheeks), shredded cod, and cod tripe. It is a deep and vertical offering: little catalog outside of cod, but a lot of specialization within it.
Who is Bacalalo
Bacalalo was founded in the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona in 1990. What started as a specialized dried cod stall has become a leading online store for premium seafood products. The name says it all: "Bacalalo" is a fond nod to cod, the product that gave rise to the business.
Unlike Ederpesca, Bacalalo has evolved its catalog to embrace a wider universe of marine products: Icelandic cod, Cantabrian anchovies, Iranian caviar, gourmet preserves, smoked products, shellfish, and much more. This makes it a more versatile store, where you can complete all your gourmet seafood shopping in one place.
Cod remains the soul of the business. Bacalalo works exclusively with Icelandic cod, considered by many to be the best in the world due to the cold, clean waters where it is caught, and the country's strict quality controls. More than 35 years of experience selecting, cutting, and desalting cod in the market translates into product knowledge that is hard to match.
Compared catalog and products
This is where the differences between the two stores become most evident. Let's look at a comparison of the main categories:
| Category | Ederpesca | Bacalalo |
|---|---|---|
| Cod loin | Yes (Gran Chef Loin) | Yes (800g loin, various presentations) |
| Pil pil cod | Yes (Pil Pil Loin) | Yes (Special pil pil flank) |
| Kokotxas | Yes | Yes |
| Shredded cod | Yes | Yes (flakes) |
| Sirloin | Yes | Yes |
| Cod tripe | Yes | No |
| Anchovies | No | Yes (wide selection from the Cantabrian Sea) |
| Caviar | No | Yes (premium Iranian caviar) |
| Gourmet preserves | No | Yes (+100 references) |
| Smoked products | No | Yes (salmon, trout, sardines, etc.) |
| Shellfish | No | Yes (goose barnacles, prawns, king prawns) |
Ederpesca is a pure cod specialist. If you are looking exclusively for cod and want the highest specialization in that particular product, its catalog is deep and focused. The inclusion of cuts like cod tripe (the gelatinous skins of cod, a niche product highly appreciated in Basque cuisine) demonstrates a remarkable level of specialization.
Bacalalo offers a much wider catalog. For those who want to buy premium cod and also add Cantabrian anchovies, a jar of caviar, or gourmet preserves to their order, Bacalalo allows them to do it all in one purchase. This is not only more practical but usually more economical in terms of shipping costs.
Origin and quality of cod
The origin of cod is one of the most important factors in determining its quality. Not all cod is the same, and the differences between origins are significant:
- Iceland: Considered the premium origin. Very cold waters (2-8 °C), extremely clean, with nutrient-rich currents. Icelandic cod has firm, white flesh, perfect flaking, and a clean flavor. Iceland also has one of the strictest fisheries management systems in the world, with sustainable quotas and full traceability.
- Norway: Another high-quality origin, especially skrei cod (seasonal migratory cod). Good balance between quality and price.
- Faroe Islands: Similar quality to Iceland, although with lower production volume.
Bacalalo works exclusively with Icelandic cod and clearly communicates this on its website. The cod arrives whole and is cut at the Mercat del Ninot itself, allowing control over each piece.
Ederpesca also works with high-quality cod, following the Basque tradition of raw material selection. The Basque Country has centuries of experience in importing and preparing cod, and Basque companies in the sector usually maintain demanding standards.
Regarding the curing process, both stores offer dried cod (salt-cured). The salting process is fundamental: well-cured cod has a perfect flaky texture, a uniform white color, and a clean aroma. Poor curing produces yellowish cod, with a pasty texture and unpleasant flavors.
Prices and value for money
Comparing prices for premium cod requires paying attention to the price per kilo, not the price per unit. A cheaper package may simply be smaller.
Reference prices at Bacalalo for its most popular cod products are:
- 800g Cod Loin: €19.90 (€24.87/kg)
- 500g Special Pil Pil Flank: €13.90 (€27.80/kg)
These prices are competitive for premium Icelandic cod. Ederpesca, for its part, positions its products in a premium range consistent with Basque specialization and the gastronomic endorsement of its collaborations.
It is important to consider that the total value of the purchase goes beyond the unit price. Factors such as shipping costs, minimum order, packaging quality, and post-purchase experience influence the actual cost. Bacalalo, having a wider catalog, allows for larger orders with varied products, which can dilute the shipping cost among more items.
Related Bacalalo products
Shopping and shipping experience
The online shopping experience is a decisive factor, especially when dealing with fresh or dried products that require adequate packaging.
Bacalalo has a modern Shopify store, with detailed product sheets, real product photos, and descriptions that include information on origin, weight, recommended use, and desalting tips. The shopping experience is fluid on mobile and desktop. Shipping is done in isothermal packaging when necessary (fresh or refrigerated products) and in reinforced standard packaging for dried cod and preserves.
Ederpesca also offers a carefully curated online shopping experience, with a design aimed at conveying the tradition and prestige of its brand. The collaboration with Arguiñano is present in its communication and instills confidence in buyers looking for known gastronomic endorsement.
Both stores ship throughout peninsular Spain. Delivery times are usually 24-48 hours in both cases, which is standard for this type of product.
Recipes and educational content
Beyond selling cod, both stores invest in content that helps consumers get the most out of the product.
Ederpesca particularly excels in this area thanks to Karlos Arguiñano's recipes. Having recipes signed by one of Spain's most popular chefs is a powerful communication asset. For buyers looking for inspiration to cook cod, having recipes from a renowned chef is a real added value. Traditional Basque dishes—pil pil, vizcaína, al ajoarriero—are especially well represented.
Bacalalo has an extensive blog with guides on how to desalt cod, step-by-step recipes, pairings, and preservation tips. The focus is more educational and oriented toward consumers who want to learn about the product, not just follow a recipe. Furthermore, by covering a wider catalog (anchovies, caviar, preserves), the content spans more categories.
In this section, it is fair to acknowledge that the media power of the Arguiñano brand gives Ederpesca a clear advantage in brand recognition. It is an asset that few specialized stores can match.
Who is each store for?
After analyzing both proposals, we can make a recommendation based on buyer profiles:
Choose Ederpesca if:
- You are looking exclusively for cod and value maximum specialization in that product.
- You are attracted to specialized Basque cuts like cod tripe or kokotxas.
- You value the association with Karlos Arguiñano and want access to his recipes linked to the product.
- You prefer to buy from a store with a 100% Basque identity and centuries-old cod tradition.
- You are looking for specific products like cod sirloin or Gran Chef loin.
Choose Bacalalo if:
- You want premium Icelandic cod with clear traceability and over 35 years of experience in selection.
- You need to complete your purchase with other seafood products: anchovies, caviar, preserves, smoked products, or shellfish.
- You value a wide catalog that allows you to make a single order for your entire gourmet marine pantry.
- You are looking for competitive prices on premium cod, with format options (800g, 500g, etc.).
- You want a modern online store with detailed product sheets and extensive educational content.
- You live in Barcelona and want the option to also buy at the Mercat del Ninot.
The reality: they are not mutually exclusive
Many cod lovers buy from several specialized stores depending on the moment and need. There is nothing to prevent ordering cod tripe from Ederpesca and another order of Icelandic loin with Cantabrian anchovies from Bacalalo. The diversity of suppliers enriches the gastronomic experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ederpesca's cod and Bacalalo's cod?
The main difference is in the focus. Ederpesca focuses exclusively on cod with a Basque tradition, offering specialized cuts such as cod tripe. Bacalalo works exclusively with Icelandic cod and offers a wider catalog of seafood products. Both offer high-quality products.
Which one has better prices for cod?
The prices of both stores are in the premium range. Bacalalo offers its 800g Icelandic cod loin for €19.90 (€24.87/kg), which is competitive for Icelandic-origin cod. Ederpesca positions its products in a range consistent with Basque specialization. We recommend comparing the price per kilo, not per unit.
Which store is best for buying cod for pil pil?
Both offer specific cuts for pil pil. Ederpesca has its Pil Pil Loin and Bacalalo offers the special pil pil Flank (500g, €13.90). Pil pil requires a cut with intact skin and cod gelatine, so both products are designed for this specific preparation.
Can I buy cod and other seafood products at the same store?
At Bacalalo, yes. You can add cod, Cantabrian anchovies, Iranian caviar, gourmet preserves, smoked products, and shellfish to the same order. At Ederpesca, the catalog focuses on cod and its derivatives. If you're looking for variety, Bacalalo allows you to place a single order for your entire gourmet pantry.
Is it worth paying more for Icelandic cod?
Icelandic cod is considered among the best in the world due to the purity of its waters, the firmness of its flesh, and its quality controls. If you're looking for the best possible product, yes, it's worth it. The difference compared to cod from other origins is noticeable in the texture, color, and flaking of the flesh. Bacalalo works exclusively with this origin.
Are Arguiñano's recipes only available at Ederpesca?
The recipes associated with Ederpesca products are the result of their collaboration with Karlos Arguiñano and are available through their store and channels. This is an exclusive added value of Ederpesca that brings confidence and media visibility to their products.
Conclusion
Ederpesca and Bacalalo represent two excellent ways to buy cod online in Spain. Ederpesca shines with its pure specialization in cod, its Basque identity, and the endorsement of Karlos Arguiñano. It is the natural choice for those looking for cod and only cod, with the guarantee of Basque tradition.
Bacalalo offers premium Icelandic cod backed by over 35 years of experience in the Mercat del Ninot, with the advantage of a much broader catalog that allows you to fulfill all your gourmet seafood purchases in one place. If you're looking for versatility, competitive prices, and variety, it's the most complete option.
The best choice depends on what you're looking for. And as we said, nothing prevents you from buying from both depending on the occasion. The important thing is to always choose quality cod, whatever the supplier.
Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Bacalalo and Ederpesca?
Bacalalo is a specialist in premium cod and seafood products since 1990, operating from the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona. The main difference lies in the selection of origin, artisanal cutting, and complete traceability of each piece, something difficult to guarantee in general channels.
Does Bacalalo offer service for restaurants and HORECA?
Yes. Bacalalo offers full B2B service for HORECA: restaurants, hotels, caterers, and gourmet stores, with a professional catalog, volume pricing, and refrigerated shipping within 24-48 hours throughout Spain.
Does Bacalalo ship throughout Spain?
Yes, Bacalalo offers refrigerated shipping to all of peninsular Spain within 24-48 hours, maintaining the cold chain with isothermal packaging and refrigerant gel to guarantee product freshness.
Is it worth paying more for specialist cod compared to Ederpesca?
It depends on the use. For recipes where cod is the star (loin with pil-pil sauce, brandade, confit cod), the difference in texture, desalting, and cut thickness is noticeable. For stews with many ingredients, standard cod may be sufficient.
Does Bacalalo have a return guarantee?
Yes, Bacalalo offers a satisfaction guarantee. If the product does not meet quality expectations, a refund or reshipment will be processed. The team can be contacted directly via WhatsApp, email, and phone to resolve any issues.
