ASTANA – Astana Khalyk Markasy (Astana People’s Brand), the first store featuring food only from local manufacturers opened in the capital on March 5. The supermarket provides the items at relatively low prices, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent cheaper compared to other grocery stores, according to Kapital.kz.
Photo credit: primeminister.kz
Distributors from different regions of the country supply the store to boost local food production, improve product quality and increase product availability. More than 2,000 items from 300 brands, including the favourite brands of each region, are offered.
“We intend to open a network of similar groceries in the regions and all 22 stores will have its regional title. For this purpose, the professional team of marketologists will be attracted. We aim to popularise local farming and products among the population,” said the head of the Made in Kazakhstan project Rimma Tazhibayeva.
Photo credit: Kapital.kz
The owner of the store, Rakhima Gazizova, noted that working directly with local producers is their competitive advantage.
“Our supermarket sells about 80 types of produce. We are confident that we will get return on investment within four to five months and the manufacturers are ready to collaborate with us. We plan to provide franchises for opening stores in every town,” she said.
The largest product assortment is delivered from the Pavlodar, Zhambyl, South Kazakhstan and Akmola regions.
“We welcome the domestic entrepreneurs who try to become more competitive. We anticipate working with the suppliers from the north of Kazakhstan as we know the production from the Kostanai region is of good quality,” said Vice-President of the Association of Trade Enterprises Zhibek Azhibayeva.
A variety of bakery, dairy, produce, juices and water is available at the supermarket. It is planned to expand the range of meat and fish products.
“Due to the actions provided to support local businesses, the percentage of domestic products’ sales increased by 15-20 percent. The attitude of our customers for regional products and brands is greatly changed. It is important for the Made in Kazakhstan project to be developed intensively and we are pleased to say that the role of our Kazakh producers has grown significantly over the (last) two-three years,” she said.
