The State Trading Organisation (STO) has opened a new wholesale centre in Malé dedicated to improve access to affordable basic food items for businesses and the public.

The facility, named STO People’s Choice Wholesale Centre 2, has been opened opposite the former STO Home Improvement building near the North Harbour area. The centre is part of STO’s efforts to strengthen food distribution and ensure better access to essential goods at competitive prices.

According to STO, the wholesale centre will offer 23 types of basic food items along with other imported and local products sold under the People’s Choice brand. The location near the port has been selected to improve efficiency, particularly in loading supplies onto vessels transporting goods to outer islands.

STO said the outlet will also support the wholesale purchase of locally produced agricultural items. The organisation expects this to create better market access for local farmers and encourage the expansion of domestic food production.

The centre will operate daily from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, except on Sundays.

STO added that further expansion is planned, including the opening of an additional outlet in Hulhumalé in the future.

The opening of the new facility aligns with the Government’s policy to ensure the availability of essential food items at affordable prices through improved supply chains and retail infrastructure nationwide.