The distribution network in Latvia
- Evolution of the Sector
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Latvia has three major ports (Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja) as well as a major airport in the capital city Riga, which has become a transportation hub. Latvia is well connected via railway, which runs largely east-west, to former countries of the Soviet Union. Rail Baltica, a proposed north-south rail corridor that would link Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the rest of Europe is in the planning phase with an expected completion date of 2025. Riga is the major distribution center for the country. According to Euromonitor International, compared to 2016, total retail trade turnover rose by 4.2 % in 2017. Turnover of retail trade in food products increased by 3.9 %, turnover of retail trade in non-food products, except for retail sale of automotive fuel, grew by 5.1%, whereas turnover of retail sale of automotive fuel – by 2.9 %.
Imported food products, wholesale and retail trade operations are carried out by private wholesalers, specialised in food-processing, but a small part of them is considered as secure and strong enough to start commercial operations. The biggest Latvian companies are Interpego, Prodimex, Imanta, Mono trading house, Interskonto, Laval and Hanzas Uznemums ; they have their own network of small food stores and groceries or they are able to supply a lot of small retail stores characterising this country's commercial background.
Processing industries also import meat, or cattle, directly. Seasonal agriculture and food-processing products are often sold in agricultural markets located in big cities, despite the emergence of small groceries and production stores networks.
- Market share
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The Latvian market is largely dominated by supermarkets and hypermarkets (45% market share), while markets and local shops represent respectively 30% and 25% market share.
Major mass merchandisers include:
- Retail Sector Organisations
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Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Latvian Ministry of Economics
Latvian food retailers association
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Latest Update: May 2024