STC Targets 5 New Food Categories to Slash Prices via Global Competition

The State Trading Corporation (STC) has moved to overhaul its procurement processes in a bid to drive down domestic prices by attracting a wider pool of international suppliers.

Speaking following a fact-finding mission to the Gulfood 2026 trade fair in Dubai, STC Chairman Takesh Luckho revealed that the parastatal body is planning to strip back “red tape” and administrative hurdles that have historically deterred foreign competition.

The move aims to dismantle barriers to entry for the Mauritian market, particularly for high-volatility essential goods.

Ending the Procurement Lag

A primary concern identified during the mission—which took place from 26 to 30 January—is the disconnect between STC’s lengthy tendering process and the reality of global commodity markets.

• The Issue: Current tenders can take ten days to several weeks to process.
• The Impact: Suppliers of “fast-moving” products, where prices fluctuate daily, are often unwilling to commit to a price that may become obsolete before a contract is even awarded.
• The Result: A lack of bidders, sometimes leaving the STC with only a single participant for vital commodities like flour.

“The more participants we have, the more competitive the prices become,” Mr Luckho stated.

He emphasised that while transparency and good governance remain paramount for the public body, a faster evaluation system is required to adapt to market fluctuations.

Key Commodities in Focus

The STC is specifically looking to bolster competition in the rice and flour segments, where administrative “hassles” have previously stifled interest.

Beyond these staples, the corporation is eyeing an expansion of its “Smatch” brand portfolio to introduce more choice for consumers.

New product categories under consideration include:

• Canned tuna and sardines
• Canned tomatoes
• Additional subsidised goods

Strengthening the Market

The delegation used its time at the Dubai Exhibition Centre to meet with various foreign actors to understand exactly what “blocks” them from entering Mauritius.

By addressing these specific grievances, the STC hopes to diversify the range of imported goods and move away from a reliance on the same handful of recurring suppliers.

The STC currently maintains a presence in the milk, oil, and pulses markets, but the Chairman believes that eliminating bureaucratic friction is the final step in ensuring Mauritian consumers benefit from the best possible international prices in rupees.

Source: Defi Media