TOPS, under Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (SET: CRC), reinforces its position as Thailand’s No.1 food retail leader, advancing its commitment to elevating local identity products through a strategic collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, to drive Geographical Indication (GI) products into the modern trade market.
Currently, TOPS curates over 139 GI products sourced from production sources nationwide and creates opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs to access extensive distribution channels through more than 726 branches of TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY, along with TOPS Online.
This also includes 34 “Jing Jai Farmers’ Market” locations across 30 provinces, which serve as retail markets for agricultural and community products, enabling farmers to directly sell safe produce from production sources nationwide to consumers. Together, these efforts reinforce TOPS’ role as a “GI Destination” — the retailer with the largest assortment of GI products available in Thailand.
Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property, stated, “The Department of Intellectual Property is committed to promoting and developing Thailand’s local identity products to create sustainable economic value through the Geographical Indication (GI) system. GI serves as a key mechanism in protecting product reputation and building consumer confidence, both domestically and internationally. The Department has provided comprehensive support across the entire value chain—from GI registration and quality control to capacity building for producers, as well as expanding market access through collaborations with both public and private sectors. This partnership with TOPS marks another significant step in driving Thai GI products into modern retail channels, enhancing market opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs, while increasing consumer awareness of Thailand’s unique local products. These include local fruits, agricultural goods, and distinctive processed products with strong geographical identities. Importantly, this initiative also serves as a key mechanism in strengthening the grassroots economy and enhancing Thailand’s long-term trade competitiveness.”
Currently, Thailand has over 254 registered GI products from production sources nationwide, generating a total economic value of more than THB 115.22 billion per year. This reflects the strong potential of Thailand’s local identity products in creating added value for community economies and differentiating Thai products in the global market. Thai GI products span a wide range of categories, including over 171 agricultural products, 46 handicrafts, and 37 food or processed products, each representing the unique wisdom, way of life, and distinct identity of local communities across the country.
Mr. Thanawat Jirajariyavej, Managing Director, Central Food Retail under Central Retail, stated, “TOPS has continuously prioritized supporting farmers and local entrepreneurs. Since 2022, we have collaborated with the Department of Intellectual Property to drive Thai GI products into the modern trade channel, while steadily expanding our assortment. Today, TOPS has become the retailer with the largest collection of GI products in Thailand. We serve as a key connector between farmers, local producers, and consumers by carefully curating high-quality, locally distinctive products sourced from across the country. These products reflect local wisdom and unique regional identities, while also enhancing market opportunities and adding value to local produce. At the same time, insights from TOPS customers show that GI products, particularly Thai fruits, continue to gain strong popularity. Tropical fruits such as mangoes, durians, coconuts, and pomelos account for approximately 30 to 40 percent of total Thai fruit sales at TOPS, reflecting growing consumer demand for high-quality ingredients sourced directly from their origins.”
Currently, TOPS sources over 139 GI products from production sources nationwide and distributes them through more than 726 branches of TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, and TOPS DAILY, including TOPS Online. This is further complemented by the expansion of “Jing Jai Farmers’ Market,” which provides a platform for farmers to directly sell safe, high-quality produce and community products to consumers. The initiative currently operates 34 locations across 30 provinces. This approach helps generate income and expand market opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs in a tangible way. Responsible sourcing also forms a key part of the “12 Missions to Sustainable Retail” strategy under the “Small Acts Together” concept, which reflects the belief that supporting community-based agricultural products and creating fair market access can collectively drive sustainable growth for both the economy and society.
“TOPS remains committed to strengthening collaborations across all sectors to continuously bring GI products and high-quality local identity products from production sources nationwide to consumers through our store network. This ensures convenient access while promoting the consumption of safe, standardised products and enabling customers to experience authentic regional flavours from across the country, including fresh produce, fruits, and community-based processed goods. This reinforces TOPS’ role as a ‘GI Destination,’ bringing together Thailand’s finest local produce in one place. Every purchase not only delivers freshness and quality from source, but also helps preserve local wisdom, create market opportunities, and generate stable income for Thai farmers, while driving sustainable growth for community economies,” Mr. Thanawat concluded.
Experience the uniqueness of Thai local identity products certified with Geographical Indication (GI) from production sources nationwide. Discover a curated selection of high-quality produce rooted in local wisdom, all in one place as a true “GI Destination.” Consumers can now select premium local ingredients and enjoy distinctive regional flavours from across Thailand at TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, TOPS DAILY, and TOPS ONLINE, including Jing Jai Farmers’ Market.
