Ozon taps MSP.RF platform to source private-label food suppliers

SME Corporation reports that Ozon has submitted a request via the SME.RF digital platform to locate suppliers of store-brand food products. The aim is to establish a reliable supply chain for private-label goods within one of Russia’s expansive consumer markets, leveraging the MSP.RF Digital Platform which was rolled out as part of the national initiative to strengthen small and medium enterprises. This move underscores how government-backed digital services can connect merchants with manufacturers, expanding opportunities for private-label offerings and reinforcing the role of the platform as a facilitator of scalable business models within the SME ecosystem. The Principals overseeing this effort emphasize that the integration of private-label sourcing onto MSP.RF enables entrepreneurs to present their products directly to a broad network of buyers, simplifying access to a diversified portfolio of goods and reducing the time required to bring new items to market. The initiative is anchored in the broader strategy to empower small and medium businesses by streamlining procurement processes and easing compliance with regulatory requirements, making it easier for fledgling brands to test viability in a competitive landscape. The request from Ozon highlights a focus on securing a range of product categories that are typically important for private-label programs, including frozen fish, ready meals, meat delicatessen, dairy products, eggs and semi-finished meat products. By seeking manufacturers for these categories, Ozon signals its intent to build a robust supply base capable of sustaining consumer demand with consistent quality and reliable delivery timelines. The MSP.RF platform is a government-supported ecosystem designed to provide entrepreneurs with a consolidated access point for essential services and support measures. Developed with input from the business community and in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, MSP.RF consolidates procurement, certification, logistics, and advisory services in a single, user-friendly portal. This integration aims to reduce friction for sellers and buyers alike, enabling smoother onboarding, clearer pathways for product sourcing, and transparent mechanisms for evaluating supplier capabilities. Overall, the SME-driven platform emphasizes transparency, accountability, and efficiency, offering tools and guidance that help private-label brands scale responsibly while meeting consumer expectations for safety, quality, and price. In summary, the collaboration between Ozon and the MSP.RF platform demonstrates how digital government services can play a pivotal role in shaping modern retail supply chains, fostering a more competitive environment for private-label products and supporting SME growth across the Russian market. (Source: SME Corporation)