Bangkok, 14 October 2025 – TOPS, the food business under Central Retail, is driving grassroots economic growth in alignment with the Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Quick Big Win’ policy, which aims to enhance the capabilities of community enterprises and SMEs, strengthen Thai local products, and uplift farmers and small entrepreneurs in border areas between Thailand and Cambodia. The initiative also seeks to create new, sustainable economic opportunities for local producers to compete effectively. In support of this goal, TOPS has launched the "TOPS Tongtin Open House" event, a dedicated platform for local entrepreneurs to expand business opportunities, build networks, and present high-quality products for distribution through TOPS’ nationwide retail network. The pilot event will be held at TOPS, Ubon Plaza Branch, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, between October 18–19, 2025

Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer – Food Group, Central Retail, stated that “SMEs remain a key driving force of Thailand’s economy. However, they continue to face numerous challenges. Strengthening confidence and enhancing the capability of community enterprises and Thai SMEs is therefore a shared mission between the public and private sectors. As a leading retail business with a nationwide network, TOPS is committed to supporting farmers and local entrepreneurs through various initiatives — particularly the “TOPS Tongtin” platform, which offers small producers the opportunity to develop and improve their products for distribution in TOPS stores across the country. This fully aligns with the Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Quick Big Win’ policy, reinforcing our role in promoting agricultural products, revitalising local economies, and creating new trade opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. The initiative also ensures stable sales channels, consistent income generation, and improved competitiveness to help small businesses stand strong in the long term — particularly community enterprises and SMEs in the Thai-Cambodian border provinces, which are highly capable and play a pivotal role in driving the regional economy.”

Mr. Brian Hill, Head of Direct Import & TOPS Tongtin of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, added that “The TOPS Tongtin platform is part of TOPS’ long-term sustainability strategy, focusing on strengthening the grassroots economy by curating and empowering local producers to grow their business potential sustainably. Currently, more than 1,700 entrepreneurs nationwide have joined the programme, and we continue to seek out new, high-potential producers to participate. The Northeastern region has been identified as one of the country’s most promising areas, rich in agricultural resources, food-processing capability, and product diversity. According to data from the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), in 2024, there are 750,471 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northeastern Thailand, representing around 23% of all MSMEs in the country. This demonstrates the strong potential of the region’s entrepreneurs.”

To reinforce confidence in the potential and distinctive quality of local producers, TOPS has organised the “TOPS Tongtin Open House” in Ubon Ratchathani, a key Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) economic hub and a major trade gateway to Cambodia. This event marks another significant milestone in TOPS’ commitment to strengthening local economies by serving as a partner that helps regional entrepreneurs enhance their product potential comprehensively — from product standard development and brand building to market expansion. The goal is to elevate Thai products to both national and regional markets, fostering sustainable growth alongside TOPS.

The “TOPS Tongtin Open House” invites SMEs, community enterprises, and individual entrepreneurs (with annual revenue not exceeding 100 million baht) from the Thai-Cambodian border provinces and neighbouring areas to join on 18-19 October 2025 at TOPS, Ubon Plaza Branch, Ubon Ratchathani. The event aims to strengthen business capacity, enhance competitiveness, and showcase local products with the opportunity to be distributed in TOPS stores nationwide and eventually with TOPS’ international retail partners. Participants will enjoy exclusive benefits such as 15-day credit terms, no entry fee, and hands-on guidance on quality assurance (QA) including label design, packaging, and integrated marketing strategies from TOPS’ expert team. Find more details on the Facebook page ‘TOPS ท้องถิ่น TOPS Tongtin’.

“TOPS is committed to empowering local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth in the modern retail market. We see ourselves not only as a distribution centre connecting quality local products with consumers nationwide, but also as a partner and mentor that helps strengthen community economies, expand business opportunities, and elevate Thai local products to become world-class items capable of impressing consumers everywhere.

Under the concept of ‘Local Discoveries’, TOPS continues to expand collaboration with entrepreneurs across all regions, reinforcing our strategy of ‘12 Missions to Sustainable Retail’ and our guiding philosophy ‘Small Acts Together’ — the belief that every small action, when combined, can create a lasting and meaningful impact,” concluded Mr. Stephane.

Join the journey towards partnership with TOPS at the “TOPS Tongtin Open House”, taking place at TOPS, Ubon Plaza Branch, in Ubon Ratchathani Province on 18-19 October 2025. More details are available on Facebook ‘TOPS ท้องถิ่น TOPS Tongtin’ page.

For further information, visit www.TOPS.co.th, Facebook ‘TOPSThailand’, or add LINE @TOPSThailand.

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