Bulgaria Launches “People Shop” Initiative to Promote Local Products and Affordable Essentials
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture has officially launched the “People Shop” initiative (Magazini Za Horata), aiming to provide affordable essential goods to citizens while promoting locally produced items. The initiative will operate by renting space in existing stores owned by the Central Cooperative Union rather than purchasing retail outlets, Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov confirmed.
Distinctly branded products with unique barcodes will be offered under this project to ensure easy identification. The Bulgarian government has allocated BGN 10 million from the state budget to establish the company and initiate operations.
The project’s core mission is to supply socially important and essential goods, with a particular focus on items included in the small consumer basket tracked by the National Statistical Institute. Due to limited starting funds, the initial product offering will be modest but is expected to grow over time.
The pilot store will open in Plovdiv and will mainly offer food items sourced from local producers and nearby regions. Eligible products must meet Bulgarian production standards (BDS), be certified under approved regulations, or have protected geographical indications.
In addition, the ministry is exploring cooperation with the stock exchange in the village of Ognyanovo to support short supply chains. Discussions are also underway to develop a digital platform that would organize farmers, producers, and other stakeholders who wish to join the initiative.
Minister Tahov described the “People Shop” as a pioneering move by the Ministry of Agriculture, requiring a comprehensive implementation timeline, consultation with experts, and collaboration with experienced retail partners, given the ministry’s lack of its own store network.
