Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The supermarket chain Korzinka has expressed its position regarding claims from the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection of Uzbekistan regarding the use of the phrase "lowest prices" in advertising.

Rud Pedersen, CEO of Korzinka, held a meeting with the Committee’s leadership and emphasized that this pertained to the "Kundalik xaridlar uchun eng arzon narxlar" program launched in May 2024. He highlighted that this initiative is not a temporary promotion but rather a new pricing strategy aimed at ensuring affordability of goods for daily purchases.

Korzinka noted its ongoing commitment to providing customers with the best conditions, prices, and service.

"In May 2024, Korzinka made a strategic decision to change its pricing policy and launched the permanent ‘lowest prices’ program, Kundalik xaridlar uchun eng arzon narxlar. Our goal is to consistently offer consumers low retail prices on a basket of daily essentials in one place, making the shopping process easier and saving our customers’ financial resources," the statement said.

Korzinka emphasized that the Eng arzon narx program is not a temporary promotion but a permanent initiative that adds extra value to the network’s customers by reducing markups on essential goods.

"We have made a strategic commitment to providing the lowest prices on essential goods on a permanent basis," added Korzinka.

Korzinka specialists regularly monitor prices at markets, supermarkets, and other retail outlets to ensure they offer the lowest prices while maintaining product quality and storage conditions.

"We set the lowest prices for the range of products listed in the Eng arzon narx catalog, and for certain types of goods, our prices may temporarily match those of other market participants. However, we are confident that our pricing for this socially significant range will always be the best on the market," Korzinka emphasized.

"On 15 July 2024, the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection of Uzbekistan announced the commencement of proceedings against our company due to the advertising used in this program. We adhere to principles of transparency and openness, and our goal is simply to inform the public about significant changes in our pricing policy for this important range of goods," the company added.

Korzinka stated that a hearing was held on July 16 regarding this matter, during which representatives of the network provided all necessary data to the Committee.

Korzinka underscored that honesty and transparency in communication with customers and the state are extremely important to the company. Korzinka respects legislation and strictly complies with all advertising regulations and consumer protection rules. The company does not believe it has committed any violations.

"We offer a range of products at the lowest prices on a long-term basis, every day. This is an entirely new approach in the local retail culture, making life easier and more accessible for our customers. As this is a novelty for the local market, we understand why questions have arisen from the Committee and are prepared to cooperate to clarify our position and our social commitments," said Rud Pedersen, CEO of Korzinka.

"We at Korzinka strive to provide our customers with quality products at the lowest prices and continue to work towards this goal within the framework of our ongoing ‘Lowest Prices for Daily Shopping’ program," Korzinka emphasized.