Metro opens second centre

Germany-based wholesale giant Metro Cash & Carry (MCC) opened its second wholesale centre at Uppal in Hyderabad on Wednesday, taking to its number to six in the country.

The first-of-its-kind centre, spread over 5,000 sqm including 3,800 sqm of selling space, is designed with a 400-sqm integrated 'mandi' concept offering fresh vegetables and fruits. It functions under business-to-business wholesale concept.

The company is planning to foray into logistics segment, including opening cold storages. "Farmers generally come to the market and sell their products. We would like to go and purchase directly from them," said MCC India managing director, Rajeev Bakshi.

Metro ranks third in terms of scalability and size of product sourcing. MCC has set a huge expansion plan for the coming 3-4 years. "With the changing lifestyle and food pattens, we are looking at entering other markets and expand our reach," he added.

With this, Metro has two centres in Andhra Pradesh, set up with a total investment of Rs 240 crore, and has created 500 direct and indirect jobs. The other centre is situated at Kukatpally.