One of the largest Russian retailers, Magnit, has suspended the supply of fruits and vegetables from China due to the threat of the spread of coronavirus and the complication of logistics, the company told RIA Novosti.
Magnit has suspended the supply of fruits and vegetables from China amid the threat of the spread of coronavirus and the complication of logistics. Chinese tomatoes, peppers, tangerines, grapes and pomelo accounted for about 0,9% of Magnit's turnover in 2019 and about 3% of sales of fruits and vegetables. Since the beginning of the year, the company began to import these goods from other countries - Morocco, Israel, Turkey, and also increased purchases of Russian vegetables, completely replacing Chinese imports, ”the company said.
“Currently, the supply of products is carried out stably and in the required volume. Changes in procurement and logistics will not have a noticeable effect on the cost of fruits and vegetables on the shelf, ”the retailer stressed.
Magnit is the second largest Russian retailer in terms of revenue and the first in terms of the number of stores. At the end of September 2019, the network consisted of 20 stores: 497 convenience stores, 14 supermarkets and 507 cosmetics stores. Most of the group's stores are located in the South, North Caucasus, Central and Volga Federal Districts; retail facilities are also located in the North-West, Ural and Siberian Districts.