Mr.Jurin Laksanawisit, deputy prime minister and commerce minister, recently paid a visit to the project which aims to connect and expand distribution of farm produce and fruits in order to assist Thai farmers affected by the COVID-19 situation. He also spoke to farmers in local community enterprises such as Organic Mango for Export Community Enterprise in Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani province, durian and fruit farmers in the Eastern Region from Agricultural Sector Business Promotion Cooperative of Trat province, Mango for Export Community Enterprise in Ban Phae district, Ratchaburi province, Natural Organic Farmers’ Group in Kamphaengphet province, as well as farmers and businesses under Jing Jai Farmers’ Market, at Tops Market Chaeng Wattana. On this occasion, he also talked about the overview of Thai fruits in this season. “It is expected that in 2020 there will be a large supply of summer fruits in Thailand, and the demand will be clustered in the country because the export industry is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ministry of Commerce has initiated measures to connect and expand distribution of fruits from farmers directly to consumers, and we encourage people to consume fruits through various activities. We have provided spaces for farmers to sell their produce, with support from Central Food Retail Company Limited, which operates Tops and Central Food Hall, to drive the sales of summer fruits in 2020. The company has increased its purchase of fruits, and expanded distribution channels for fruits at Tops, Central Food Hall, and Family Mart. The Ministry of Commerce also raises awareness among Thai consumers to eat seasonal Thai fruits with the concept of Eat Thai First, so that Thai people can enjoy export-grade fruits at affordable prices, which in turn also helps Thai farmers.”
Mr.Stephane Coum, CEO of Central Food Retail Group a part of Central Retail , talked about this partnership with the Ministry of Commerce to boost the economy and supported both farmers and Thai people in this COVID-19 situation. There are two main missions which need to be executed urgently:
1.Measures to help farmers by setting up regional buying stations so that farmers and local businesses who are affected by the COVID-19 situation, do not have any markets to sell their products, or have been given unfair prices, can easily access assistance. They can contact the regional buying stations at the following numbers. Bangkok and vicinity: 081-860-9702,087-107-8716, Eastern and Western Regions: 082-113-8998, Northeastern Region: 088-267-9754, Northern Region: 081-724-0375 and Southern Region: 081-959-2295. In April and May, there is a large amount of summer fruits, especially nam dok mai mangoes, and farmers in Ratchaburi, Uthai Thani and Kalasin who usually export their produce do not have suitable markets. Tops has increased its purchase by 40% and currently sells 15 variations. The farmers get reasonable prices, and Thai consumers can enjoy these fruits at good prices in order to drive sales. Jing Jai Farmers’ Market, which is available in 14 locations in 12 provinces, and newly developed Line@ shops namely @jingjaichiangmai, @jingjaimarket_udon, @jingjai_nakhornsri and @jingjai_CWN. Providing retailing knowledge to farmers. The company has appointed its procurement team to help develop products, design packaging, and plan production in line with consumer’s demand and market. Expanding channels both offline and online to increase distribution of farm produce and processed goods. In the COVID-19 situation, consumers purchase more vegetables, fruits and fresh ingredients, and online channels play a bigger role. Consumers can purchase these items on www.tops.co.th and Grab application without leaving their home. This service covers 41 provinces in Thailand.
The second urgent mission is to work with the Ministry of Commerce to reduce prices in order to reduce the cost of living for Thai people. The company has announced a price lock for 26,000 items for 90 days, with additional discounts on price-locked items. There are thousands of items to choose from on a rotational basis at Tops Market, Tops Superstore, Tops Daily, Tops Online and Family Mart, from now to July 4, 2020. This does not include some agricultural produce as the prices will be based on seasonal availability and market prices in order to support Thai farmers and local SMEs to have steady income.
Tops is committed to supporting and partnering with Thai farmers, local SMEs and local community enterprises. You are invited to support them by purchasing their vegetables, fruits, and processed goods from these communities so that our farmers can improve their quality of life, have sustainable income, and have the strength to get through this crisis together.
