Croatian retailer Konzum has said that it will open additional sales channels for local producers affected by the closure of greengrocers in the country due to COVID-19.
The retailer, which is part of Fortenova Group, said in a statement that it was 'ready to offer' its repurchasing capacities and sales networks to producers that are unable to put their products on the market due to store shutdowns.
Farmers and local producers are encouraged to contact distributors PIK Vinkovci, Marinada and Fragaria, which will in turn establish delivery channels to Konzum stores.
Konzum said that fruit and vegetable products of local origin already account for more than 80% of the retailer's turnover in the fresh produce category.
Fostering Partnerships
"Since the very beginning, Konzum has been fostering partnerships with local producers and this initiative is a continuation of our strategic focus on supporting Croatian production," commented Zoran Mitreski, a member of Konzum's management board.
"In the current situation that we are faced with, due to the coronavirus epidemic, self-sufficiency has proved to be particularly important in maintaining the supply chain. Hence we all have to work together on strengthening local agriculture."
Konzum already works alongside more than 4,000 fruit and vegetable products across Croatia, the retailer said.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
