BANGKOK, November 16, 2022 - Tops, the #1 food retailer under Central Retail, introduces the first 22 SMEs who have been selected by Tops Tongtin, a platform that offers opportunities to local SMEs who want to grow as partners of Tops, the #1 food retailer in Thailand. The project supports local SMEs to grow strongly and sustainably. More than 50 interesting products have been selected such as Jello Bl oomkonjac jelly, Mae Thongkham chili paste, Sinar Brew pineapple cider vinegar, Pushers sparkling tea, and Farmto purple potato chips. They are available at Tops for the first time, and on this occasion, Tops Tongtin organized “Smart and Delicious: Local Goods from Great SMEs” to invite SMEs to share their stories and inspire others, to push Thai SMEs to the next level.

Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer - Food Group, Central Retail, said, as the #1 food retailer in Thailand, Tops has always been committed to creating shared value and driving the grassroots economy to improve the quality of life and reduce the gap in the society. It creates opportunities for SMEs nationwide, and there are more than 3 million SMEs in Thailand, playing a significant role in driving the country’s economy, as they create employment, job opportunities, and income. Tops wants to equip Thai SMEs with opportunities to grow strongly and sustainably, and therefore has introduced Tops Tongtin, a platform that invites SMEs to sign up to showcase their food and beverage products. The quick and simple process offers them a chance to work with the Tops Tongtin team to ensure that their quality products can be sold at Tops, FamilyMart, and online channels. In addition to helping SMEs gain access to quality channels, Tops also gets new products produced by local producers for customers to enjoy, delivering the best experience under the concept of “Every Day DISCOVERY”.

Mr. Brian HillHead of Tops Tongtin of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, said, that after the launch of Tops Tongtin, the first platform of opportunities in Thailand’s retail, the platform has offered many benefits to Thai SMEs, such as listing fee waiver which saves a lot of money for them, 15-day credit term which offers better cash flow, support in designing, obtaining relevant permits, marketing and promotion plans, access to funds, and support from local and regional Tops Tongtin teams along the whole journey. After four months, Tops Tongtin has been very well received by Thai SMEs, with more than 230 SMEs registering. This reflects the potential and capabilities of SMEs in growing their businesses, with high quality and interesting products. The Tops Tongtin team has visited them and, through an intense selection process, selected the best products for its customers.

The first group of SMEs consists of 22 businesses who have been selected for their high-quality, delicious and unique products. They are invited to be business partners and get support from Tops Tongtin, under the concept of Local Goods from Great SMEs. Their products are showcased for the first time at Tops Tongtin: Smart and Delicious.

Jello Boom konjac jelly was created by two friends who wanted to create jelly that is more than just a snack, resulting in a chewy jelly product made from konjac. Khun Mae Thongkham chili paste is made with an ancient royal recipe, using quality fish, with mild sweetness, Sinar Brew pineapple cider vinegar adds value to Phuket pineapple by using technology that turns it into pineapple cider vinegar that is aromatic and sweet, Madi Kombucha believes that food is medicine and creates products that boost immunity and the digestive system, Pushers sparkling tea offers craft beverages that are fizzy and fruity, Farmto purple potato chips are under the concept of “not good looking, but good tasting”, made with locally grown Japanese purple potatoes, Mae Aew chili paste with pork crackling features authentic Northern flavors from Nong Chang Khuen pork crackling makers, with unique crunchiness, less grease, and more variety, Rin salted fish is made with an ancient Thai technique to give it a nice aroma and taste, TOONE Supreme Tuna Floss is produced by Pattani fishermen, grilled using scented wood to give the tuna floss a delicious aroma and fluffy texture, O’Zeed sauces are produced by a professional team that is behind the success of a famous sauce brand, and their products will make every meal more flavorful. Porjao chili paste uses the owner’s father’s recipe, made with quality fish to create a homemade flavor.

The event invited SMEs who have been selected to join their experiences and showcase their delicious products, as well as inspire other businesses.

Dr. Rosarin Rujananon and Ms. Sanarwee Kanluan from Jello Boom brand said, “We are happy to be part of the Tops Tongtin family. Thank you for such a unique opportunity. Tops Tongtin sees the weaknesses and needs of SMEs, and has offered many special privileges such as listing fee waiving, 15-day credit term for better cash flow for SMEs, and promoting the products, which is something SMEs are not good at. The Tops Tongtin team helps offer tips and promote our products via various channels. I am confident that the support of Tops Tongtin will help us reach our customers and generate growth for our business. I did not hesitate at all to register for this project, and I want to invite other businesses to get this opportunity as well.”

Mr. Prawit Chaisirisampan of Kaixin brand said, “I joined the project via the government since Tops Tongtin supports the government sector. Through business matching, I have an opportunity to join, and having worked with the team, I am very impressed by how they care and offer support throughout the project, from the very beginning. I would like to thank the Tops Tongtin team for their friendly support and I’d like to invite other SMEs to join the project to take Thai products to another level.”

Ms. Nuchanad Changkaochai of Porjai brand said, “I started selling my products online and I dreamed of selling my products in a retail store. I thought it would be difficult for an SME to do so, because listing fees are usually over 100,000 baht, and there are many conditions that might stand in the way. But Tops Tongtin breaks all the barriers and supports SMEs. I tried my best to get selected, and now I have a chance to partner with Tops Tongtin and see my products sold at Tops, which is Thailand’s leading supermarket.”

Tops Tongtin is ready to offer opportunities for business growth. SMEs nationwide can sign up to be part of Tops Tongtin at www.topstongtin.com. For more details, visit Facebook “Tops Tongtin”. Support participating SMEs by purchasing their products at Tops, Tops Food Hall and online.