Tops Local advances the national SME platform, joining forces with Government Savings Bank and Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park to launch a fast track selecting the best products from four regions, supporting Thai products onto modern trade shelves nationwide, with a goal to increase sales by over 30% by 2027.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Tops, part of Central Retail, pushed forward the SME platform "Tops Local" for 2026, building on past success by partnering with Government Savings Bank and Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park to hold the event “Open House TOPS Local: Discover the Best of Local SMEs from Four Regions” aimed at accelerating quality products onto Tops shelves nationwide. The first phase piloted in the South region on 7–8 Mar 2026 at Ground Floor, Central Phuket Floresta. Interested parties could register in advance from now until 2 Mar 2026 via the website.https://topstongtin.tops.co.th
Mr. Thanawat Jirachariyawet, Managing Director of Central Food Retail Company under Central Retail, said that over the past year, the Thai economy has faced challenges from cautious consumer purchasing power, rising business costs, and domestic and international competition, directly impacting SMEs, which are the main drivers of the country’s economy.
Tops recognizes the importance of strengthening small entrepreneurs, not only supporting their business but laying a foundation for overall economic stability. Thus, it drives support through the ‘Tops Local’ project focused on creating market opportunities, networking, and developing entrepreneurs’ potential to enable Thai SMEs to grow sustainably.
Over the past three years, the “Tops Local” project has continuously pursued its mission under the concept “The Best Local SMEs from Four Regions - LOCAL DISCOVERIES,” aiming to support and share the value of quality local products with consumers, while creating accessible and sustainable marketing channels for Thai entrepreneurs. Currently, the project includes over 140 SMEs nationwide: 84 in Central, 31 in North, 16 in Northeast, and 12 in South, offering over 550 product items. Sales have grown by more than 50%, reflecting the potential of Thai products to compete in national modern trade markets and the confidence of entrepreneurs.
Mr. Brian Hill, Director of Business and International Partnerships at Central Food Retail Company under Central Retail, said Tops continues to seek potential entrepreneurs and recently partnered with Government Savings Bank and Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park to organize “Open House TOPS Local: Discover the Best of Local SMEs from Four Regions” to accelerate their entry into modern trade. The goal is to expand the entrepreneur base to over 200 participants and increase product lines to more than 800 items, enhancing Thai products’ ability to meet the demands of modern retail markets comprehensively, aiming for sales growth exceeding 30% by 2027 to build a strong retail ecosystem growing sustainably with SMEs.
The event “Open House TOPS Local: Discover the Best of Local SMEs from Four Regions” aims to offer community enterprises and SMEs with distinctive identities a tangible opportunity to enter the retail system. In 2026, the project proactively offers fast-track product consideration through one-on-one business matching with Tops Local’s purchasing team, alongside sharing knowledge from current project partner entrepreneurs and showcasing products at the Tops Local Flea Market for 5-9 days.
Additionally, through partnerships, entrepreneurs receive ongoing financial advice and support to expand sales channels in each region from Government Savings Bank from the project’s start, as well as product and packaging development consultations from Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park and networks nationwide, to enhance entrepreneurs’ competitiveness and ability to meet market demands effectively.
The program accepts community enterprises, companies, partnerships, and individuals with annual revenue not exceeding 100 million baht and no more than 50 employees. Entrepreneurs without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration can also receive consultations and enter the standards development process immediately. Activities will cover the four main regions nationwide throughout the year. Interested parties can find more information at the Facebook page TOPS Local (TOPS TONGTIN) or apply via the project website.https://topstongtin.tops.co.th/