Suppliers explained the price increase with the increase of product cost in foreign currencies during the devaluation of the ruble. Now retailers are waiting the same trend when the ruble is strengthening.
Director of External Communications of Auchan Russia said that prices have already fallen for cereals and canned food. As for fresh products, seasonality is very important: for example, prices for fresh fish has fallen by an average of 30% since December 2014 due to seasonality and ruble prices.
Most retailers have their own import departments, and it is easier for them to revise the prices for some imported products, they can more quickly react to changes in exchange rates. “The most notable changes can be seen in prices of vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood,”- said the representative of the Russian network of Metro Cash & Carry. Prices for fruits and vegetables have decreased by 10-11%, prices for fish – by 10-15%.
Negotiations between retailer and suppliers are in the process.