Analytics, Foodstuff, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Retail

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The trend, however, has not yet led to shortages of any products and retailers have sufficient food reserves at their disposal, the companies' representatives said.

Laila Vartukapteine, commercial director of Elvi Latvija grocery chain, said that demand for nonperishable goods like grain products and canned food increased significantly at the end of February. "Since these products can be stored for a long time, consumers apparently want to make sure they have enough food in case they have to stay home for a prolonged period of time," Vartukapteine said.

Citing Elvi's sales data, Vartukapteine noted that in comparison with the same period a year ago, demand has risen 99% for buckwheat, 96% for canned meat, 57% for flour and 49% for pasta. Sales of other products with a long shelf life have grown 20 to 30%.

Vartukapteine indicated that Elvi stores are restoring their supplies of food products on a daily basis, so the increased demand has not led to any shortages yet.

Edvins Lakstigala, procurement head at Maxima Latvija retail company, said that some stores have reported increased demand for certain products and that the company therefore is closely following demand dynamics and increases the supplies of certain product groups like buckwheat, pasta and ginger.

Regina Ikala, a spokeswoman for Rimi Latvia retail chain, noted that in recent days demand has been growing for grain products, canned food, biscuits and other products with a long shelf life, but that all these products are still freely available in Rimi stores.