The opening day of the new Central Fruit and Vegetable market in Al Aweer saw a steady stream of customers to the surprise of many vendors.
"We were not expecting such a rush on the opening day of the market," a vendor said. It was a very positive sign and put our fears of poor business to rest, he said.
But, customers were fewer as compared with those in the old Hamriya market.
The old market has been closed for business and no one is allowed in. Vendors who have not moved to the new facilities have until July 15 to do so.
Chaudhry Altaf, a wholesale trader, said the new market started receiving customers from early morning and there was a rush at both fruit and vegetable shops. "I am sure we will have better business in the new market, which is much bigger with excellent facilities."
A survey conducted by Gulf News, however, found the prices of fruits and vegetables being sold at small supermarkets and grocery shops in the city had increased slightly.
"Suppliers of fruits and vegetables to small supermarkets and grocery shops have increased prices by five to ten per cent with the excuse that they have to travel long distances and bear the extra costs of petrol to get supplies from the central market," said Nouruddin, a grocery shop salesman in Deira.
A. Redha Mansour, general manager of Fresh Fruits Company, rejected the price increase.
"We are the wholesale suppliers and there has been no price increase in the market. In fact, we sold some vegetables and fruits at lower prices because we expected fewer customers."
He said the new market had a flying start on the opening day and business would pick up fast. Vendors said that the response from buyers was good, considering it was the first day in the new facilities.
"I am sure more retail buyers will come to this market as it is well laid out with spacious yards for vendors and ample parking for customers," said Abdur Rehman, a vendor in the retail section yard.
Customers, however, complained of a lack of transportation facilities within the market, which is spread over 6,112 hectares with an 11-kilometre road network.
The new market is designed to meet the requirements of the emirate's vegetable and fruit trade until 2012, the move being a part of the rapid development taking place in Dubai.
The market includes an administrative block and separate wholesale and retail markets. The wholesale market comprises seven blocks consisting of 248 outlets.
Gulf News
