Once go-to shops for veggies & fruits, Hopcoms outlets fade out of favour

The Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (Hopcoms) outlets that were once the most trusted shops for fruits and vegetables are now slowly vanishing as more people opt for online shopping and depend on delivery apps for their needs.

According to data presented in the ongoing legislature session, over the last few years, 141 Hopcoms outlets have shut shop and of this, 88 are in Bengaluru.

With that, the number of outlets in Bengaluru has come down from 266 to 178.

Minister for Horticulture S S Mallikarjun attributed the decline to competition from malls, private vendors and online platforms.

DH spoke to managers of a few Hopcoms outlets to understand the situation on ground.

Bhagya, who manages the Bhuvaneshwari Nagar outlet, said sales had steadily dropped with the advent of app-based services.  “Now, most of my customers are older people. The younger generation prefers to order online,” she said.

Though many Hopcoms outlets reported dip in business, a few in older city areas remain profitable. “Many still prefer us since the prices are centralised and produce is delivered fresh daily,” a staffer from the Hosakerahalli outlet said.

Falling staff numbers

The manager at another Hopcoms outlet pointed out that dipping staff strength too was a problem. 

“We had 500 stores and 350 staff. Running them smoothly needs 1,200 employees. Without recruitments, closures are inevitable,” he said.

Quality issues 

Customers DH spoke to are divided in their views. Some had reservations over Hopcoms selling limited varieties and quality not being up to the mark. They said prices were now similar to private vendors. 

However, many older shoppers who value handpicking the items over relying on online deliveries said Hopcoms outlets were still their go-to shops.