Latvian Farmers Sound Alarm Over Low Local Product Share in Stores; Retailers Cite Production Limits
Only a third of Latvian milk, about half of chicken and cheese, less than half of flour, and just over 50% of onions are locally produced in major retail chains. Producers are concerned, but retailers argue that local output is insufficient and seasonality plays a key role.
Latvian farmers have raised concerns about the low share of domestic products on supermarket shelves. According to available data, only one-third of milk sold in major retail chains is sourced from Latvian producers. For chicken meat and cheese, the share is around 50%, while local flour accounts for less than half of the total supply. Onions are the only product where domestic produce exceeds 50%, reaching just over that threshold.
Producers warn that this trend undermines local agriculture and reduces the country's self-sufficiency. They urge retailers to prioritize Latvian-made goods. Retailers, however, counter that local farmers cannot produce enough to meet demand consistently. Additionally, seasonality affects certain products—onions, for example, are subject to harvest cycles, making year-round local supply challenging.
The debate highlights a broader issue in Latvia's food supply chain. While both sides express willingness to cooperate, significant changes would require increased production capacity and targeted support measures. Without such steps, the current share of local products may persist.
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