Markets and Development MDB Bulletin No.7. February 2006

By offering convenience, standardized products, clear pricing and the allure of "modernity", supermarkets are taking an increasing share of a growing urban consumer market for food. From a base of zero in 1990, Viet Nam now has over 120 supermarkets and 9 wholesale centers. Supermarkets, through innovation and the achievement of economies of scale can have a strong impact on local supply chains because of their demands for large-scale, regular supply of standardized fruit and vegetable types. This presents both risks as well as opportunities for the poor. This MDB summarizes a recent study by M4P and the French-Vietnamese MALICA (Markets and Agriculture Linkages for Cities in Asia) consortium. The MDB discusses the impacts of supermarkets on the poor - in their roles as consumers, traders and farmers.

Available for download here [1]in English and Vietnamese