CP Axtra has teamed up with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, to purchase Geographical Indication (GI) products from small-scale farmers and circulate them for sale at participating Makro and Lotus branches.
On 2 Apr, reporters reported that CP Axtra Public Company Limited, operating the wholesale and retail businesses Makro and Lotus, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, to elevate and add value to Geographical Indication (GI) products. The aim is to promote potential products through the Makro and Lotus network nationwide. They will also buy products directly from farmers via the Opportunity Platform (Online Platform), allowing small farmers to present products directly, creating market opportunities for local entrepreneurs and driving sustainable grassroots economic growth.
Ms. Siriporn Detsing, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of CP Axtra, said CP Axtra, through Makro and Lotus, is committed to continuously supporting Thai farmers and entrepreneurs, covering the entire supply chain from production to sales. This collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property will help raise the profile of Thai GI products to a wider consumer base through their network, add value to products, and strengthen community income security. This will lead to sustainable economic growth in Thailand and propel Makro and Lotus to become the top hub for GI products in the country, targeting income generation of over 250 million baht for farmers.
Mr. Somnuek Yoddamnoen, Director of Fresh Food Product Management at CP Axtra, said Makro and Lotus select quality GI products from producers nationwide to rotate seasonally for sale. These include vegetables, fruits, fresh foods, and seafood such as Ban Phaeo aromatic young coconut, Songkhla mango, Mae Chai lychee from Phayao, water chestnut, Ko Sukorn watermelon, Nasan school rambutan, Suphanburi water chestnut, giant freshwater prawn, and two-water seabass, among others. To make these products more accessible to consumers, dedicated GI product zones have been set up in participating branches across Bangkok, surrounding areas, and main regional branches to facilitate easy and convenient shopping while ensuring product origin and quality. Additionally, the i-Trace traceability system has been implemented to verify product information throughout the supply chain from source to consumer, providing tangible confidence.
Ms. Oramon Supthaveetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, said that GI products are more than just goods; they reflect the identity, wisdom, and pride of communities. Collaboration with the private sector, such as CP Axtra, will help expand market opportunities for Thai GI products to be widely recognized domestically and internationally, while raising product standards and strengthening community economies sustainably.