Magnit halts fruit, vegetable imports from China over coronavirus

MOSCOW, Feb 3 (PRIME) -- Russian retailer Magnit has suspended imports of fruit and vegetables from China over coronavirus and logistics problems, a company official told PRIME on Monday.

“Magnit suspended supplies of fruit and vegetables from China amid the threat of a spread of coronavirus and growing complexity of logistics. Chinese tomatoes, peppers, mandarins, grapes and pomelo made up about 3% of Magnit’s turnover in 2019. Since the beginning of the year, the company has begun to import these goods from other countries – Morocco, Israel, Turkey, and also increased purchases of Russian vegetables, completely replacing Chinese imports,” the official said.

“At present, supplies of products are carried stable and in the required volume. Changes in procurement and logistics will not have a noticeable impact on the price of fruit and vegetables on the shelf.”

End