TOPS, the food business under Central Retail (SET: CRC), reinforces the international quality standards of its Thai Own Brand products by winning two awards at the “PLMA 2026 International Salute to Excellence Awards,” one of the world’s most prestigious accolades for Private Label products in the global retail industry. The awards recognize outstanding Own Brand products for innovation, quality, design, and sustainability concepts.
This year, TOPS’ “SmarteR” products received awards in the Eco-Friendly Laundry Products and Home & Kitchen categories, while also earning praise from the judging panel for delivering “Great Value for Money.” The recognition reflects TOPS’ product development philosophy that seamlessly combines innovation, convenience, and environmental responsibility, further reinforcing TOPS’ position as a leading food retailer committed to driving innovation and sustainability continuously.
Mr. Thanawat Jirajariyavej, Managing Director, Central Food Retail under Central Retail, said, “Today, environmental concerns and greenhouse gas reduction have become key driving forces in the business world, prompting organizations across industries to accelerate their transition toward Net Zero goals and more sustainable business practices. At the same time, modern consumers are placing greater importance on products that not only deliver quality and value for money, but also help reduce environmental impact and support sustainable living in everyday life.
At TOPS, we therefore place strong emphasis on developing Own Brand products that combine innovation, functionality, and eco-conscious concepts. Winning the PLMA 2026 awards marks another important milestone that reflects our team’s capability to continuously develop products that can compete on the international stage in terms of quality, innovation, value, and sustainability.”
As for TOPS’ s Own Brand products that received the “PLMA 2026 International Salute to Excellence Awards,” they include:
- SmarteR Dryer Sheets – Fragrant dryer sheets developed as a convenient alternative for fabric care, helping clothes feel softer, reducing wrinkles, and providing long-lasting freshness. The product also allows for more controlled and appropriate usage, helping minimize unnecessary overconsumption. In addition, it uses FSC Mix-Certified (Forest Stewardship Council) paper packaging, supporting sustainable resource management. The product received an award in the Eco-Friendly Laundry Products category.
- SmarteR Biodegradable Sink Strainer & Food Waste Filtering Bags – Innovative biodegradable food waste filtering bags designed to make household food waste management more convenient and hygienic. The product is made from materials that support the circular economy concept and help reduce plastic waste in the long term. It received an award in the Home & Kitchen category.
“This achievement on the global stage also reflects our ‘Small Acts Together’ philosophy, which believes that small changes in everyday life, whether through choosing products that help reduce resource consumption, minimize waste, or use more environmentally friendly packaging, can collectively create a positive long-term impact on the planet. TOPS therefore remain committed to developing Own Brand products that integrate quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility, in order to deliver better choices for consumers while helping drive sustainable growth for society and the environment” Mr. Thanawat concluded
The PLMA International Salute to Excellence Awards, organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), is one of the world’s leading award platforms for Private Label products. The awards recognize outstanding retailers worldwide for the development of Own Brand products through innovation, quality, creativity, and sustainability across a wide range of categories, including food, beverages, health products, household goods, and lifestyle products. This year, more than 600 products from 67 retailers across 27 countries were evaluated in 91 categories.
This milestone marks the third time TOPS has received this prestigious award, reflecting the exceptional capability of Thai Own Brand product development to consistently meet world-class international standards. Last year, products under the My Choice and SmarteR brands received awards from the same platform, further reinforcing TOPS’ position as a leading Thai retailer committed to continuously developing product innovation for consumers and a more sustainable world.
