Saigon Co.op focuses resources to ensure essential food supply and helps the Central region respond to storm Kalmaegi

(Chinhphu.vn) - Faced with the complicated developments of storm Kalmaegi (storm No. 13) with strong intensity and fast movement into the South Central region, forecast to directly affect the provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Quang Ngai... in the next 24 hours, the Saigon Co.op system has urgently activated an emergency response plan across the system, focusing resources on Co.opmart, Co.op Food and Co.op Smile supermarkets in the Central Highlands region.

Co.opmart Da Nang cooperated with Tuoi Tre newspaper to organize relief gifts for people in flood-hit areas - Photo: VGP/PD

Proactive early response

Having survived many major storms such as Yagi, Bualoi and now Kalmaegi, Saigon Co.op has not only accumulated experience in responding to natural disasters but also formed its own set of emergency operating standards. This system includes: Internal early warning, regional reserve map, real-time goods coordination plan and a three-way coordination mechanism between supermarkets, suppliers and localities.

Since the beginning of the week, when Typhoon Kalmaegi was identified as one of the strongest storms of the season this year, Saigon Co.op has deployed a series of response scenarios at more than 800 points of sale nationwide. These points of sale have been arranged to become satellite warehouses, ready to flexibly regulate the supply of goods to areas at risk of being isolated by storms.

In the Central region, supermarkets such as Co.opmart Quang Ngai, Co.opmart Quy Nhon, Co.op Food chain in Phu Yen (old), Co.opmart Pleiku, Co.opmart Buon Ma Thuot, Co.opmart Nha Trang... and Co.op Smile stores in Dak Lak have completed reinforcing infrastructure, arranging goods safely, and adjusting opening hours flexibly to serve the people.

According to records on November 4 alone, purchasing power at supermarkets increased 4 times compared to normal days, the number of online orders increased 10 times, especially in the essential food group. To meet this demand, the system has increased reserves by 3 tons of fresh vegetables and fruits every day, more than 200 tons of rice, 9,000 boxes of instant noodles, 3,000 boxes of bottled water, and more than 10 tons of essential consumer goods such as milk, cooking oil, rechargeable lamps, batteries, raincoats... 100% of the staff in the area is mobilized, on duty 24/7 to ensure that the shelves are always full of goods, prices are stable, and service is smooth.

Price stabilization - Deep discounts on essential foods up to 49%

On the morning of November 5, the market recorded a 30-50% increase in purchasing power in the Central region, focusing on convenient and fresh foods. While many places began to adjust prices, Saigon Co.op remained steadfast in its price stabilization policy and even further reduced prices to share with the people. Convenient foods: milk, instant noodles, canned foods, cereals, cakes, sausages, ham...: reduced by 15%-49%

Green vegetables, tubers, and fruits - a group that is susceptible to fluctuations when storms hit - have increased supply from gardeners in Da Lat, Lam Dong, and the West, and are reduced by 10%. Pork, beef, fish, and eggs: Prices are still stable, Saigon Co.op supports a further reduction of 10% - 20% to help people feel secure in stockpiling without having to spend too much.

Mr. Thai Luong Hung, Director of the Central region of Saigon Co.op, said: "Supermarkets also place orders in advance for the post-storm period, to ensure a stable supply and avoid a shortage of goods. Due to the strong increase in purchasing power and the tendency of some sources to collect instant noodles, the system has strictly controlled to prioritize serving the right consumers at stable prices."

Co.opmart Tuy Hoa ensures essential goods, triples service to people before the storm - Photo: VGP/PD

Spread the spirit of sharing

Along with stabilizing the market, Saigon Co.op is preparing to deploy an emergency relief package for the Central and Northern provinces with essential goods from now until the end of 2025, transferred directly to the Fatherland Front of the localities affected by storms and floods to support people to overcome initial difficulties.

Saigon Co.op, in coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, the Red Cross and local organizations, quickly delivered essential goods and packages of necessities to people affected by natural disasters and floods. Support activities were organized synchronously from preparation, packaging, transportation to on-site distribution, ensuring timely access to isolated areas.

Previously, at the end of October, Saigon Co.op Union donated VND980 million in cash through the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Ho Chi Minh City to help people in areas affected by storms, floods and landslides. At the same time, Saigon Co.op also gave special rewards to the collective and individual employees who directly stayed at the supermarket, supported people, and ensured continuous operation in harsh natural disaster conditions.

These efforts not only demonstrate Saigon Co.op's pioneering role in stabilizing the market and ensuring social security, but also affirm the profound humanistic identity of a Vietnamese brand for the community.

With the spirit of "accompanying the community - steadfastly overcoming the storm", Saigon Co.op continues to promote the role of a purely Vietnamese retail system, which not only provides goods but also spreads trust, sharing and humanity in all circumstances.

Phuong Dung

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/saigon-coop-tap-trung-nguon-luc-bao-dam-thuc-pham-thiet-yeu-cung-mien-trung-ung-pho-voi-bao-kalmaegi-102251105211740978.htm