Russia: growth of vegetables and fruit sales during the Great Lent

Warsaw - A significant growth in sales of fruits and vegetables can be seen in Moscow during the Great Lent. This is the longest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity when consumption of food originating fro an animal is not recommended.

According to Russian Interfax Agency, sales of vegetables and fruit increased with 40% on average, with the highest growth (almost by 50-60%) in case of cheap products: cabbage, potatoes, carrots and domestic apples. In case of citrus fruits, the growth is smaller - around 30%. With regard to exotic fruits (like kiwis or mangos) – there is practically no growth, and in case of more expensive vegetables (peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes) the growth is limited to 5-10%.

According to the information from the Seventh Continent supermarkets chain (a leading food retailer in Russia), the demand for vegetables, berries and fruit (including exotics) in Moscow’s shops of the network grew considerably on the first day of the Great Lent (on February 19th), even more than 100% on some categories.

Publication date: February 27 2007
Author: FreshPlaza Correspondent Poland
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com