Kazakh-made goods to get shelf priority in supermarkets

Kazakhstan's shops and marketplaces are set to carry more domestic goods. From 20 October, retail chains must allocate at least 30% of trading space in each product category and subcategory to Kazakhstani products. The new requirements aim to widen the presence of local producers in the market.

Domestic goods will be marked with a 'Made in Kazakhstan' label or sign and placed in the central display zone, at customers' eye level, next to high-demand products. The Ministry expects the rules to develop domestic trade and reduce the market's dependence on imports.

Jazira Tolegenova's family business began a year ago in Karaganda, producing kurt, a dried dairy snack. The family initially struggled to enter supermarkets because shelves were full of imported kurt. Now based in Astana, the family plans to expand production with a team of four staff. Violators will first receive an order to correct breaches; if they fail to do so, they face a fine of 100 to 500 MRP, according to Ministry of Trade data.