The State Trading Organization (STO) is undertaking significant efforts to broaden the availability of essential food items across the Maldives, with a particular focus on improving access for island communities.
This initiative follows the recent addition of 23 new items– including 10 fruits, 10 vegetables, and three other crucial items – to STO's essential food list.
While these newly classified essential goods are currently available at the STO People's Choice Supermarket in Male', the company is actively establishing new supply chains to facilitate nationwide distribution.
A key component of this strategy is the imminent opening of a new retail outlet in Male' specifically designed to supply these fruits and vegetables to the Atolls. Located near the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, where STO's Makita showroom currently stands, this new outlet will serve as a vital supply hub. STO has committed to providing direct delivery services from this outlet to cargo boats and the harbour area, streamlining the supply chain for island communities.
Beyond this new Male' facility, STO is looking to leverage its existing extensive network within the atolls. The company currently has four distribution centres and 12 retail outlets located across various islands.
Further expanding its reach, STO has announced plans for a permanent store in Hulhumale', which will also stock these essential items. Currently, Hulhumale' residents only have access to temporary STO fruit and vegetable sales during Ramadan. The state-owned firm aims to have this permanent essential items store operational in Hulhumale' before next Ramadan, addressing a long-standing need in the rapidly growing urban centre.