Hypermarkets Representatives: There Will be No Food Shortage in the Country

After the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Georgia was announced, there was a rush of custoers to hypermarkets throughout the country, especially in the capital city of Tbilisi. 

The Ministry of Health reports that the infected patient's life is not at risk and there is no danger of an epidemic in Georgia, however, people still panicked and headed to the shops to stock up on goods.

Despite the fact that no quarantine has been announced in Georgia, citizens are buying up products with a long shelf life, such as cereals, flour, honey, salt, and sugar.

Many photos have been spread on social media depicting empty shelves at supermarkets and trolleys full of products.

After the special briefing of Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze last night, citizens headed to Agrohub supermarket in Tbilisi and almost completely emptied it within a few hours. A similar situation was reported at other big supermarkets in the city. 

The above raises concerns there will be food shortages in the country. GEORGIA TODAY contacted representatives of several hypermarkets operating in the local market, who anonymously claimed that despite the increased number of customers in the last few hours, currently there is no danger of a food shortage as they have enough products in their chains. 

"The flow of consumers is more intense [than usual], however, the situation is not alarming compared to the last night. Of course, the number of customers has increased, but, we have enough products for them and there is no reason to panic at this stage," said Salome Gvelesiani, Marketing Manager of Agrohub. 

"Demand for products has also been increased in our chain. It is clearly visible today: people are buying food with a long shelf life. I can say that there will be no product shortages from our side and if any shelf will be emptied, we will fill it with products timely and operatively," said Nata Tsereteli, Head of Marketing and PR of Goodwill. 

"Despite the increased number of customers, we continue to work in the usual regime. At this stage, the supply of products is enough and there is no need to panic about food shortages," noted Nino Ramishvili, Public Relations Manager of Carrefour. 

By Ana Dumbadze