TOPS, the food business under Central Retail (SET: CRC), has partnered with the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), Ministry of Commerce, and the Agriculture and Food Coordination and Public Relations Center (AFC) of the Thai Chamber of Commerce to purchase 2 tons of santol from the Ban Wang Ri Organic Agriculture and Safe Food Community Enterprise in Sa Kaeo province.
Through an integrated collaboration between the public sector, led by the Ministry of Commerce, and the private sector, this effort involves purchasing the portion of produce from santol growers that could not be sold to Cambodia due to measures controlling the opening and closing hours of the Thai-Cambodian border.
Furthermore, TOPS has planned to drive the grassroots economy by purchasing over 8,000 tons of fruit from Thai farmers throughout 2025. Concurrently, the company is launching the “Thai Fruit Festival 2025 By DIT” campaign to promote and stimulate the domestic consumption of Thai fruits at over 690 TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY stores nationwide, as well as 32 Jingjai Farmers’ Market locations, from today until August 31, 2025.
Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer – Food Group, Central Retail said “As a leading retailer that stands by Thai society at all times, TOPS is committed to our policy of supporting farmers and standing with Thai society, especially in times of need. Following the measures controlling the opening and closing hours of the Thai-Cambodian border, the Ministry of Commerce and Thai Chamber of Commerce’s AFC have coordinated with wholesale and retail operators to help absorb surplus agricultural produce that could not be exported. To help alleviate this hardship, TOPS has therefore collaborated with the Department of Internal Trade and the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s AFC to purchase over 2 tons of santol from the Ban Wang Ri Organic Agriculture and Safe Food Community Enterprise in Sa Kaeo. We plan to distribute this santol to our various branches to be part of the solution, provide support to the farmers, and also give the Thai people an opportunity to access this quality fruit.”
At the same time, the overall outlook for this year’s Thai fruit season continues to face distribution challenges. Data from Kasikorn Research Center indicates that major economic fruits such as durian, mangosteen, and longan are expected to have a combined yield of 3.66 million tons, an increase of 21.8% from the previous year and 1.2 times higher than the past average (2020-2023). Meanwhile, sales of these key economic fruits are projected to decrease by 4.8% in 2025, primarily due to price pressures from increased supply amid limited consumer demand.
Therefore, TOPS is partnering with the DIT and Thai Chamber of Commerce’s AFC to help purchase this produce and drive the distribution of quality Thai fruit to consumers nationwide through the ‘Thai Fruit Festival 2025 By DIT’ campaign. This initiative aims to stabilize fruit prices, promote consumption, and continuously support the income of Thai farmers. We would like to invite everyone to support this cause by purchasing quality Thai fruits, giving encouragement to our farmers to grow sustainably together.”
The santol that TOPS has initially purchased is from the Ban Wang Ri Organic Agriculture and Safe Food Community Enterprise (Rai Dee Tor Jai) in Wattana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province. It is the ‘E-La’ variety, known for its large size, thick and fluffy flesh, unique sweet and sour taste, and distinct aroma. The annual yield is approximately 600 tons, with about 100 tons typically exported to Cambodia. Due to the controlled opening and closing hours of the Thai-Cambodian border, a portion of the santol has been left stranded and unsold. In response, TOPS, DIT and Thai Chamber of Commerce’s AFC have purchased 2 tons from the community enterprise to help mitigate the situation for the farmers.
Additionally, TOPS is focused on promoting the consumption of seasonal Thai fruits. In collaboration with the DIT and Thai Chamber of Commerce’s AFC, the ‘Thai Fruit Festival 2025 By DIT’ campaign will feature a selection of premium quality Thai fruits from sources across the country, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan, watermelon, pineapple, avocado, and longkong, with special promotions to boost sales from today until August 31, 2025, at over 690 TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY stores, and 32 Jingjai Farmers’ Market locations.
In 2025, TOPS plans to purchase over 8,000 tons of fruit from farmers, a 15% increase from the previous year. The company will leverage its extensive sales network—spanning TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY stores—with a special focus on its Jingjai Farmers’ Market outlets, where farmers can sell fruit directly to consumers. This model reduces the role of middlemen, connects producers and consumers more closely, and creates stable, sustainable income.
“TOPS stands in solidarity with Thai farmers and is committed to supporting the grassroots economy through collaboration with the public and private sectors to distribute produce and promote the consumption of quality Thai fruit. This aligns with our ‘12 Missions to Sustainable Retail’ strategy and our ‘Small Acts Together’ philosophy, which holds that the small actions of many can create significant, positive change,” Mr. Stephane concluded
Support Thai farmers and enjoy premium quality Thai fruit by purchasing their products year-round at TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY stores, and Jingjai Farmers’ Market locations. For more information, visit www.tops.co.th, Facebook: TopsThailand, or LINE OFFICIAL: @TopsThailand
