Tesco today (2 April) played down rumours that it is set to enter Russia and said it is currently focusing its international efforts on the US, India and China. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Responding to media speculation that the company is in talks with Russian property developers with a view to entering the market, Tesco cited its three priority international markets and said any move into Russia was not a main concern.


“Our priority is to focus on markets like China, India and the US,” a spokesperson for the company told just-food this morning (2 April).


Speaking at the Adam Smith retail conference in Moscow yesterday, Tesco chairman David Reid said that the Russian market was interesting for the company. However, Tesco said it is unable to comment on rumours that it is gearing up to enter Russia.


Industry watchers believe that a move from Tesco into Russia is unlikely in the short term.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Will Tesco expand into Russia? If Tesco goes in in the next six months, it would surprise me,” Shore Capital analyst Darren Shirley told just-food.


“Tesco has got a lot on its plate at this moment in time. It has major expansion plans in the US, which is a large market. It has major expansion plans in China, which has the potential to be a very large market and it has rapid expansion plans in Turkey.”


Tesco launched its US venture, Fresh & Easy, in November and has since opened 61 stores.


In China, the company has focused on running hypermarkets but is set to open its first convenience store in Shanghai.


The UK retail giant has yet to enter India’s fast-growing retail sector but has studied how to follow the likes of Wal-Mart and Metro Group into the market.