Bangkok, May 18, 2022 - Back by popular demand, the original durian and Thai fruits buffet has returned to indulge durian lovers. Tops and Central Food Hall under Central Retail partner with the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to organize “Thailand’s Amazing Durian & Fruit Fest 2022 The Original!” on an area of 1,000 sq m during May 18-22, 2022 at the square in front of centralwOrld. The success is reaffirmed by the fact that all of the 5,000 presale tickets were fully booked in seven days, prompting the organizer to add extra seats to every round and every day. The tickets to the event have become the most sought after at the moment.

Stephane Coum, CEO of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, said, “Over the past two years, the COVID-19 situation has put major events on hold in Thailand. These events can help stimulate tourism and fruit consumption, particularly durian, which is known as the King of Fruit and is loved by tourists, especially Chinese tourists. Now that measures have been relaxed, and Test & Go has been scrapped, leaving only Thailand Pass in place, tourism and spending in Thailand have bounced back once again. Now is the fruit season in the East of Thailand, and this year there are more fruits than in the previous year, such as mangosteen, rambutan and durian, which are at their most delicious in May.

To welcome the reopening of the country, we encourage local fruit consumption to generate income to Thai farmers and processed food businesses. Tops and Central Food Hall have joined forces with the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to organize ‘Thailand’s Amazing Durian & Fruit Fest 2022 (The Original!)’. This much-anticipated event is the grandest ever, reaffirming its position as the Best Event Destination. The durian buffet is now in its 5th year, and presale tickets were available for purchase from April 28, 2022. The tickets were met with great enthusiasm from durian lovers, and in a record breaking success, all 5,000 presale tickets were fully booked in just seven days, making it a cannot-miss event for durian lovers. Another highlight is the first ever ‘Thailand’s Amazing Durian & Fruit Fest 2022 X Zee Nunew’ where fans of Zee and Nunew from Cutie Pie 2 book the whole round of the buffet to enjoy both the fruits and spending time with the two stars. The event sparks further demands for Thai fruits after female rapper Milli promoted mango with sticky rice on stage. It is great news that the King of Fruit is now back to spread happiness to durian fans and local farmers who can sell their produce and solve oversupply issues.

The buffet also uses eco-friendly utensils under the concept “safe for you, safe for the planet”. GRACZ utensils are made from bagasse and natural plant fibers, free from toxins and carcinogens. The utensils are not plastic-coated, and they are clean, safe, and 100% biodegradable in 45 days.

“Thailand’s Amazing Durian & Fruit Fest 2022 The Original!” has two zones;

Durian and Thai Fruits Buffet Zone: Premium Monthong durian with Quality at Heart standards, picked at the best time of year, in various levels of ripeness. Customers can enjoy eating delicious fruits and treats for one hour, such as mangosteen, rambutan, young coconut, Japanese melon, watermelon, coconut ice cream, mango with sticky rice, mango with sweet fish sauce, and Monthong durian with sticky rice.

Market Zone for seasonal fruits and processed food: Enjoy a wide selection of popular and rare durian, with more than 25 types to choose from, such as Monthong Nont, Pa La-u, Phuang Manee, Long Lin Lub Lae, Chanthaburi 1-10, Nok Yib, Chandara, Chai Mafai, Khai Mangkorn, Kob Chorakhae, Kob Phikun, Kampan Khao, Med Nai Yai Prang, Mun Sung King, Nuan Thong Chan, and Pho Chanee. The durian is all premium grade, locally grown in seven provinces namely Chanthaburi, Rayong, Uttaradit, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Nonthaburi, and Phetchaburi. In addition to durian, there are also seasonal fruits, GI products, and processed goods from farmers in 16 provinces, as well as famous goods from more than 35 stores such as Nootri superfruit and vegetable smoothies, Universal Coco Banphaew fragrant coconut, shelled coconut, and coconut pudding, Pun Lamoon Nam Dok Mai smoothies, and Oxxi Ice Cream made from 100% fruits.

The event is organized under strict COVID-19 measures to assure every participant. Throughout the five days, more than 100 tons of Thai fruits will be released to consumers. Throughout May-June, 2022, consumers can also purchase quality durian and other fruits from Thai farmers in the “FRUITS-TIVAL” campaign such as premium Monthong durian, sold by pulp weight at 500g or 1kg, or in whole, at Tops market, Tops SUPERSTORE, Central Food Hall, and Tops Online. Another buzz on social media is the first-ever availability of premium monthong durian pulp, now available at Tops daily and FamilyMart at only 75 baht each. You can enjoy delicious durian for under 100 baht.

Indulge in the deliciousness of the King and Queen of Thai fruits for five days from today to May 22, 2022. Purchase walk-in tickets at the event (limited availability) and read more at www.tops.co.th, Facebook TopsThailand, Central Food Hall, FamilyMartThailand or LINE @TopsThailand, @ FamilyMartThailand.