Russians reportedly admit to purchasing tomatoes from Estonia by MP Milonov.
Estonian residents increasingly make trips to Russia to procure tomatoes hailing from the Caucasus region. This cross-border shopping trend has been highlighted by Vitaly Milonov, a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Milonov claimed that tomatoes available from European suppliers in Estonia are unappealing and artificial, while those sourced from the Caucasus in Russia are apparently tastier and more fragrant. "My friend from Ust-Narva travels to Russia to buy flavorful tomatoes, as the European ones are dull and plastic," the parliamentarian shared.
As a result of the recently revealed multi-kilometer queues at the Russian-Estonian border, Estonian citizens have been flooding Ivangorod via the Narva border crossing to purchase not only food but also clothing and equipment at reduced prices.
The preference for Caucasus tomatoes could be attributed to shortcomings in food availability or quality in Estonia or the unease surrounding European product imports due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. These disruptions, in turn, might influence regional trade patterns affecting food imports and consumer preferences.
Recent statements made by Russian deputy Vitaly Milonov also suggest a critical viewpoint on European-imported produce. He commented that vegetables imported from European countries "do not taste good," possibly advocating for the promotion of domestic or regional agriculture.
- Vitaly Milonov, a Russian deputy, asserts that the tomatoes imported from European countries in Estonia lack flavor, while those sourced from the Caucasus region are more appealing.
- In light of the growing preference for Caucasus tomatoes and other Russian imports, such as clothing and equipment, regional trade patterns might be significantly affected, influencing food imports and consumer preferences.
