Reliance Fresh all set to open fives stores in Jaipur

Jaipur, Dec 14 (UNI) Reliance is all set to formally open its Reliance Fresh retail store here from tomorrow, making the experience of buying vegetables, fresh fruits and groceries a lifestyle statement.

Rajasthan's state capital has been chosen as the next destination for opening of these 'farm fresh stores' after its first launch in Hyderabad in November this year, ''mainly because the infrastructure required to start the stores have been put in place quickly and efficiently in Rajasthan,'' said a company official here today.

Reliance will open five stores in Jaipur this week, which will stock 125 varieties of fruits and vegetables at a time. All seasonal fruits and vegetables will be available including fresh puja flowers.

Thirty per cent of fruits and vegetables for the stores in Rajasthan will be sourced from within the state, especially Alwar while the rest would be obtained from all over the country.

RIL President and Chief Executive (Food Business) Gunendar Kapur said the retail scene in India is totally fragmented and the Reliance Retail Initiative is to be the most organised and admired retail company in India.

The complete farm-to-fork project cycle initiated by the RIL is part of its agricultural initiative and is unlikely to harm the small-time vegetable vendor, Mr Kapur added.

Mr Kapur said the whole project is meant to be a 'partnering Initiative' which should not hurt any constituent in the line. The partnering initiative would also benefit the vendors. ''It is a win-win situation for both.'' Reliance officials said India's retail growth is worth 300 billion dollars and could grow up to 427 billion dollars in the next four years.

UNI RRT PKS HT1700