In mid-April 2026, one of Russia's largest retail chains, Magnit, launched a new import model in the Fresh category (fresh fruits and vegetables). The retailer has begun making direct purchases of agricultural products from farms in Uzbekistan, bypassing the chain of local distributors and wholesale intermediaries.

Under the new scheme, logistics are structured to ensure the delivery of perishable products on a "from field to shelf" basis within 10 days. The first batch of fresh vegetables has already arrived at the chain's distribution center. In total, by the end of 2026, Magnit plans to directly import at least 1,500 tons of Uzbek fruits and vegetables. The main volume will be directed to distribution centers in the Urals, Siberia, and the Moscow region.

Retailchina.pro Expert Commentary: The transition of federal retail to direct purchases (agrosourcing) is a strategic shift in the import market of the Fresh category. Eliminating intermediaries allows retail chains not only to reduce the final shelf price amid high food inflation but also to strictly control product quality at all stages. For suppliers from the CIS and Asia, this case highlights the need for consolidation: to work directly with Russian chains, producers must provide consistently large supply volumes, implement international calibration and packaging standards, and be prepared for strict audits by the retailer.