Amidst the spread of COVID-19 which has affected many people's lives, including farmers who are not able to sell their produce as they normally could and sometimes face unfair pricing, Tops plays an active role in driving measures to help Thai farmers nationwide. Recently, it has partnered with the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to offer solutions and assistance to garlic farmers in the North of Thailand as they face unfair pricing.
Tops is the only supermarket in Thailand to commit to buying only 100% grown-in-Thailand garlic. Tops is now getting ready for the large volume of Thai garlic which will be released to the market in February - March, and aims to purchase 30% more Thai garlic than the previous year, sourced directly from garlic farmers in Northern provinces such as Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. This helps provide a steady market for the farmers and improve the pricing to help local garlic farmers. At the same time, quality is a priority, and Tops selects only high-quality, large and easy-to-peel garlic, while offering fair prices to garlic farmers. Meanwhile, it also ensures reasonable prices for consumers in order to benefit both garlic farmers and consumers.
About Central Retail
Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (Central Retail) is the retail leader in Thailand and the flagship company at the roots of Central Group. It has a network of 3,831 branded stores (as of 30 June 2020) offering Multi-Category products through Multi-Format channels such as department stores, convenience stores, specialty stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, plazas and online sales through omnichannel platforms. Central Retail business covers fashion, including Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Robinson Lifestyle Center, Supersports, Central Marketing Group (CMG) and Rinascente. Hardline comprises Thai Watsadu, Baan and Beyond, PowerBuy and Nguyen Kim. Food comprises Tops Market, Tops Daily, Tops Plaza, Central Food Hall, Family Mart, Big C/GO! and Lanchi Mart. As of 30 June 2020, Central Retail has a presence in 3 countries, comprising Thailand, with a total 1,948 stores in 54 provinces and operations in Italy and Vietnam adding another 136 outlets (as of 30 June 2020).