Government issues decree requiring supermarkets to sell locally produced foods

The Bulgarian government on April 13 issued a decree requiring the large supermarket chains of stores to offer Bulgarian products made by local producers.

The decree also requires that sufficient space should be allocated at the outlets and the products should be displayed in a manner that clearly indicates that the products were made locally.

Milk and dairy products from Bulgarian raw milk should be offered at these spaces; fish and fishery products; fresh meat and eggs; honey; fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables produced by regional producers.

The decree did not require retailers to change their existing supply contracts.The aim is to provide opportunities for regional production, to support small and local Bulgarian producers.

According to the decree, regional producers are those which operate in the same district where the supermarket is or the neighbouring districts.