Metro to close wholesale stores, exit Kazakhstan

ASTANA. Oct 2 (Interfax) - Metro AG intends to halt operations in Kazakhstan by the end of March 2027, the international wholesale food supplier said.

The decision followed a review of Metro's international portfolio.

"Despite substantial investment and sharper business positioning, Metro Kazakhstan had failed to secure market positions capable of delivering sustainable growth," the company said.

All six Metro Kazakhstan stores and its delivery service will be closed in stages.

"The decision followed a targeted review of its long-term prospects in Kazakhstan conducted over several months. Despite considerable efforts by the local team to strengthen its value proposition and adapt the wholesale model to local market conditions, the business still struggled to build a solid foundation for sustainable growth," Metro said.

Metro Kazakhstan CEO Mesut Dogukan said that the period ahead would be extremely difficult for the company's 650 employees.

Metro is a wholesale food supplier serving the hotel, restaurant and catering sector, known as HoReCa, as well as independent retail traders. It operates in more than 30 countries.

Metro entered the Kazakh market in October 2009 and operates six wholesale stores, in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Pavlodar, Karaganda and Ust-Kamenogorsk.