Bangkok--28 Feb--Big C Supercenter
Big C expands cooperation with Commerce In supporting Thai farmers through purchase of longkong
Kudatara Nagaviroj, Director of Corporate Affairs of Big C Supercenter PCL, reveals that “To expand our cooperation with Ministry of Commerce in supporting and stabilizing income for Thai farmers, we are delighted to signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation to purchase longkong from Thai farmers in the South and distribute its produces in over 350 Big C stores nationwide. Big C commences this cooperation by purchasing 1.5 tonnes of Southern longkong at the Regional Economic Promotion Fair in Hat Yai, Songkhla, recently held by Ministry of Commerce.”
“Longkong is widely grown in Southern Thailand -- mainly in borders provinces namely Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat -- and some in Eastern provinces such as Chantaburi. Tanyongmas longkong from Ra-Ngae District, Narathiwat Province, is known to have the best quality. Big C Supercenter is delighted to work closely with Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Internal Trade to expand distribution channels for longkong in Big C stores nationwide,” Kudatara said.
The longkong purchase is the extension of cooperation between Big C Supercenter and Ministry of Commerce to support Thai farmers by providing distribution channels and increasing purchase volume to generate stable flow of income for farmers. Throughout 2013, Big C aims to purchase 70,200 tonnes of fruits and vegetables from farmers nationwide -- a 35% increase from 2012 volume. Under this collaboration, Big C has launched "Thai Orange Fair" in January 2013 -- which saw an impressive 250% increase in Thai orange sales during the past month. In February, the Company has also offered support to the Career Development Center of Yangchumnoi District, Srisaket Province, on production, packaging development, product distribution and marketing plan for peeled and ready-to-eat fried sliced shallots. Big C also plans to expand the scope of collaboration to cover other agricultural products throughout this year,” Kudatara concluded.