FreshPlaza, Netherlands
May 8 2008

Produce Markets in Yerevan, Armenia

Located at the central railroad station in South of Yerevan were
trains arriving from all over Armenia and also from Georgia, Kayaran
is an important trading point. Trains are arriving in the early
morning and evening. Farmers are arriving with fresh produce stashed
in bags and boxes limited to the amount they can carry. Most farms in
Armenia are not larger than a few thousand square meters. During late
fall, winter and early spring, production comes from small mostly
plastic greenhouses. In this market the smaller retailers come here to
buy at all hours of day and night. When farmers are coming of the
train their produce is often sold directly to middle men. In other
cases farmers have secured, against a fee, places inside the covered
hall were the market is located. Others who arrive by small trucks and
cars are parked outside the building and are selling whatever produce
they have directly from their vehicles. Those who have not been able
to secure a sales spot inside set up shop on the pavement as near to
the market as possible. They will have to pay fees to the many
surveying policeman guarding the area.

Malatcia

The second market called Malatcia is located in the SW part of
Yerevan. In these markets there are also large trucks arriving from
Georgia and Iran with citrus, kiwis, peppers, onions and egg plants.

Tashir

The third market is a public market named Tashir. Its location is not
far from Kayaran. This market is also referred to as the Goum Market
because it was established as an official market during the Soviet
days. Goum is a Russian word and means universal market which we now
would call a hypermarket. Here there is a large covered area where
besides fruit and vegetables also other food is sold such as meat and
fish. Inside there are large displays of dried and candied fruits that
are local delicacies. In Tashir you will find also imports from other
countries than Iran and Georgia. Bananas and other tropical fruits are
often arriving here via Russia. Along the outside walls of the
building there is room for farmers and wholesalers that offer larger
quantities of fruit and vegetables.

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