The Board of Directors of the resigned Shop for People EAD learned today from the briefing of the Minister of Agriculture and Food about his decision to close the project. This is stated in an official position from the company and adds:
We respect the right of the Minister to make such a decision in his capacity as the principal of the company, although we find it hasty, since such projects do not turn a profit in 3 months, and we have never had such a goal. Within our powers, we will provide full assistance until the expiration of the terms of our notices.
We regret that a decision has been made to terminate the activities of the only currently operating state instrument, which, in the conditions of strong inflationary pressure and sharp impoverishment of the population, actually supported the delivery of food products at truly affordable prices in small settlements.
As responsible managers, we consider it necessary to clarify the false statements about the company's activities that have been spread in the public domain:
Regarding the statements about “empty shelves“:
Despite the extremely competitive prices and high consumer interest, in all stores working with the company in recent months, stock has been ensured thanks to the logistics organized by us. In recent months, we have delivered over 500,000 units of goods to stores and have not been left without stock for a moment. Newly joining stores are loaded according to a pre-established schedule, with an average of about 500 kg of products delivered per store.
Regarding the allegations of poor financial condition (“accounts in the red“):
At present, the company has approximately 4,800,000 euros, distributed as follows:
∙ Cash on bank accounts: 4,568,795.74 euros
∙ Goods in stock at purchase value: 66,202.77 euros
∙ Receivables from suppliers: 92,157.42 euros
∙ Assets: 59,924.49 euros