The State Trading Organisation has opened a new wholesale store in the Malé market area as part of its efforts to expand the distribution of staple goods.
The move follows a rise in the number of essential items sold by the company since 15 October. The new outlet, named STO People’s Choice Wholesale Center 2, is located in the building formerly used by STO Home Improvement, situated in front of the North Harbour gate. According to the company, the store will offer the 23 food items designated as staples, along with other branded products, at competitive wholesale prices for both traders and the general public. STO added that the market area location will also support the transport of goods to the atolls by providing easy access for boats.
STO stated that the new centre will introduce a system for the wholesale purchase of produce from local farmers. The company noted that the arrangement is intended to assure farmers that their produce will be bought, encouraging them to expand their work.
In October, STO added 23 new items to its staple food list to help address the unusually high prices of fruits and vegetables in the local market. The items include bananas, apples, oranges, lemons, pomegranates, mangoes, papayas, watermelons, chillies, grapes, red onions, ginger, carrots, aubergines, sweet potatoes, garlic, potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, bottle gourd, yellow mung beans, eggs and coconuts.
