Bulgaria launches a state-controlled discount chain

While in Bulgaria, inflation reached 2.6% in 2024 (compared to 2.4% in the Eurozone), the government announced on March 20 the launch of a low-cost public food retailer, following parliamentary approval. Located in the poorest regions, the stores will be set up in post offices, where the elderly receive their pensions. They will mainly sell local food products with a maximum margin of 10%. With an initial capital of €5.11 million, the company will be controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. When questioned by mind Retail, the government did not specify the launch date or the number of stores expected.

To remember: With 800,000 people living below the poverty line, Bulgaria is the poorest country in the EU. For several months, the population has been calling for a law limiting supermarket margins to 30%. The initiative is behind the DPS- A New Beginning, whose leader Delyan Peevski was sanctioned for corruption by the U.S.A. in 2021, and by the U.K .in 2023.