Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service has extended the zero trade margin rule for a defined set of staple goods sold by retail chains Magnit, Dixy, and Megamart for another year. This move was announced by the agency and is linked to the recent changes in ownership and operations within the Magnit group, following the acquisition of Dixy and Megamart in mid-2021. The extension ensures that selected items in the consumer basket remain affordable for a broad segment of shoppers during the continuation of the current market arrangement.
The affected stores will continue offering essential items at targeted prices, including chicken meat, pasteurized drinkable milk with fat content ranging from 2.5% to 3.2%, and staple grains such as wheat and rye. Baked goods made from a blend of rye and wheat flour, with a shelf life under ten days, will also be available at no extra charge under the policy. The government-backed price discipline aims to help households maintain access to basic nutrition while market adjustments occur.
Additionally, the retail groups have been instructed to support socially vulnerable populations by launching a loyalty program tailored for retirees, their family members, and caregivers. This initiative is intended to channel tangible benefits to those most in need, reinforcing the social protection framework within retail operations while maintaining compliance with regulatory directives.
In related developments, industry observers noted a separate initiative by the X5 Group, which announced a pilot food-sharing project in collaboration with a non-profit Foodsharing organization and a national food fund. The program focuses on redistributing food items that have passed their expiration date but remain safe and usable, aiming to reduce waste and improve food security for communities facing shortfalls.
Together these measures illustrate how major national retailers are balancing affordability, social responsibility, and sustainability objectives in a rapidly changing market landscape, while the regulatory environment continues to influence strategic decisions across the sector.