Wholesale makeover for Hopcoms

Wholesale makeover for Hopcoms

The retail segment giant in the state is set to enter into bulk business and eyes star hotels in particular

DEEPTHI M R



Hopcoms, which has been a major retail player in the business of vegetables in the last 50 years, will see a major changeover. It will plunge into the wholesale segment.
Horticultural Producers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Societies (Hopcoms), known for its omnipresent vegetable outlets, has decided to sell vegetables and fruits and wholesale prices to star hotels and food joints. This is a win-win situation for both Hopcoms as well as bulk buyers: While Hopcoms is assured of a market for vegetables it procures from farmers, the bulk buyers will save on tax and commission that is paid to the middlemen.
BENEFICIAL SCHEME
“As part of 50th year celebrations, we are offering this scheme which will benefit hoteliers and anyone who buys vegetables in bulk,” said Keshava Murthy, Hopcoms manager (procurement and marketing).
A meeting of Hopcoms officials and hoteliers will be held on Saturday to decide on the supply and price issues.
Murthy said, “Hopcoms began operations in 1959 and it was the brainchild of Dr M H Marigowda, the father of horticulture in Karnataka. We want to pay tribute to this man who conceived the Hopcoms plan, which benefits everyone from the farmer to the customer.”
There are 252 Hopcoms outlets in Bangalore alone. “Through this scheme, we are sure there will be a 4 to 8 per cent profit for the customer,” said Murthy. Currently, the hotels and push-cart vendors buy vegetables from Yeshwanthpur market, where they pay 6 to 7 per cent regulated market commission (RMC) and other taxes on vegetables they buy. Since the place is far away, they also pay transport charges. “Once this scheme comes in, customers need not pay taxes and they can buy vegetables directly from farmers,” he said.
“We have spoken to the hotels’ association in the city. We will meet them on Saturday to explain to them the benefits if they buy vegetables from Hopcoms,” he said.
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
Hotels and push-cart owners seem to be excited. “We wholeheartedly welcome this move. We only expect good quality vegetables and sufficient quantity of it. We consume 60-70 kg of vegetables every day other than tomatoes and onions. We also consume 200 kg of vegetables for catering purposes. If these requirements are met, then it will be convenient for the hotel owners,” said Vaudev Adiga, President, Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association.
“I buy around 20 kg of vegetable every day. If this schemes comes into effect, then I can save on tax and transport charges,” said Muniswamy, a push-cart vendor from Chamarajpet.