Kaufland opens its first stores in Moldova | Progresiv
On the open-top adventure scale of the Schwarz Group, the first two branches in Moldova are located far below the mega-project Australia – and yet the company enters Moldova not only a new country but also new territory: for the first time Kaufland is represented by branches in a former Soviet republic. The state between Romania and Ukraine that has 2.9 million inhabitants. 
At the same time, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a per-capita-economic output of 2,700 dollars. According to the country database of the Federal Foreign Office, the average monthly income is just under 340 euros – with a large urban-rural gap.
In the capital Chisinau with its 530,000 inhabitants, the Neckarsulmers have already created 750 jobs with headquarters and two branches. Kaufland is also addressing the local economy with its assortment, with 3200 products from local production being registered. Pork, chilled chicken, fish and a few other categories come 100 percent from Moldova.
Managing Director Marco Hößl, who is also responsible for the Kaufland flagship country Romania, promises quality and variety in the product range at the opening, but also new working conditions, higher wages and more environmental protection. (www.internationalsupermarketnews.com)
