Small supermarkets 'underserved' fresh produce, asks DA for help

Small supermarkets are calling on the Department of Agriculture to address the continuing issue of their being “underserved” when it comes to fresh produce. "It has been the perennial problem of small supermarkets. There is a lack of creative suppliers that can supply them with fresh produce," said Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association Inc. Steve Cua at the sidelines of the opening of Food & Drinks Asia 2012 in Pasay City Thursday. Cua said that the problem has been aggravated by the competition of supermarket chains. The small stores have same problem of undersupply when it comes to processed goods as well, said Cua, as the items tend to get distributed thinly due to the spread of more supermarket and convenience store chains. In September last year, the association pushed for the set-up of new one-stop "bagsakan centers" where they could source all the farm produce they need on a regular basis. Cua had said these could be located in areas accessible to wholesalers, such as near the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway, and one within Metro Manila. The DA had earlier given its word to establish a central depot or distribution hub where small supermarkets could buy their regular stocks of various agri-fishery products, including onions. — BM, GMA News