- Higinio Gómez, a 71-year-old poultry specialist, has become the preferred supplier for Spain's top high-end chefs.
- Operating from a stall in Madrid's Mercado de Vallehermoso for the past nine years, Gómez runs a business that has existed for 54 years.
- He recently completed a grueling holiday season, working from 5 a.m.
- daily to serve various types of poultry.
Quick Summary
Higinio Gómez is a 71-year-old poultry vendor who has established himself as the preferred supplier for Spain's top chefs. He operates out of a stall in the Mercado de Vallehermoso in Madrid, where he has been located for the last nine years.
Gómez recently concluded a demanding holiday season, working long hours to meet the high demand for seasonal poultry. His business focuses on providing select birds from France to the high-end culinary sector. Despite the rigorous workload, Gómez has no intention of retiring, driven by his passion for the trade. His stall supports a team of 12 employees and represents over five decades of experience in the poultry industry.
A Demanding Holiday Rush 🏃♂️
The recent Christmas campaign was particularly exhausting for Higinio Gómez. He described working at a breakneck pace to keep up with the seasonal demand.
Gómez reported working long shifts, specifically from five in the morning until ten at night. During this period, his stall served a variety of poultry items that are traditionally consumed during the holidays.
- Pulardas (pullets)
- Pintadas (painted hens)
- Capones (capon chickens)
- All types of holiday poultry
A un ritmo endiablado, sirviendo pulardas, pintadas, capones y todo tipo de aves que se consumen en estas fechas— Higinio Gómez
Decades of Experience 🐓
Born in Navalcarnero, Gómez has spent a significant portion of his life in the poultry trade. He established his own business 54 years ago.
For 45 years, his shop was located on Calle Magallanes. Nine years ago, he moved his operations to the Mercado de Vallehermoso. Despite his advanced age, Gómez remains committed to his work.
He currently manages a staff of 12 people. When asked about retirement, Gómez stated he does not know what he would do with himself, emphasizing that he enjoys his work immensely.
Supplier to Spain's Elite Chefs 🍽️
Gómez has secured a reputation as the go-to pollero (poultry vendor) for professionals in high gastronomy across Spain.
His stall is known for supplying the most select avian products. These specific birds are sourced directly from France, catering to the exacting standards of top culinary artists.
Conclusion
Higinio Gómez represents a legacy of quality and dedication in the Spanish food market. From his base at the Mercado de Vallehermoso, he continues to supply the nation's finest kitchens with premium French poultry. His ongoing commitment, despite a long and storied career, ensures that Spain's top chefs have access to the highest quality ingredients for the foreseeable future.
"No sabría qué hacer, me gusta mucho lo que hago"
— Higinio Gómez
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Higinio Gómez?
Higinio Gómez is a 71-year-old poultry vendor based in Madrid's Mercado de Vallehermoso. He is known for supplying select birds from France to Spain's top chefs.
How long has he been in business?
He started his own business 54 years ago. He spent 45 years at a shop on Calle Magallanes before moving to his current location nine years ago.
