Central Food Retail Group signs first MoU with Singapore’s FairPrice Group to bring the best of Thailand and Singapore to shoppers and support local SMEs in global markets

BANGKOK, 03 September 2024 – Central Food Retail Group (CFG), a subsidiary of Central Retail, operates Tops, Thailand’s largest supermarket chain, including its premium format, Tops Food Hall, as well as Tops daily, Tops Online, and Matsukiyo, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited (FPG), Singapore’s largest retailer and social enterprise.

This MoU marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between two of Southeast Asia’s retail giants, setting the stage for a series of collaborative efforts that will continue to evolve and benefit consumers in both countries.

In this first phase of the collaboration, Central Food Retail Group will introduce its renowned banners, including Tops, Tops Food Hall, and Tops daily, along with its private label products, to the extensive FPG’s network in Singapore.

Beginning today, Singaporean consumers will have access to a selection of over 30 high-quality Thai products, including My Choice Thai fruit chips and Tops Tin cookies and biscuits. These products will be available across more than 160 FPG stores in Singapore, as well as through their online and e-commerce channels. In the near future, the product range will be expanded to include a more diverse selection of authentic Thai offerings, such as seasonings, pastes, sauces, instant noodles, and innovative snacks, further enhancing the culinary options available to Singaporean shoppers.

In a reciprocal move, FPG will introduce its own house brand products, including FairPrice house brands and Golden Chef products, to the Thai market through Central Food Retail Group’s extensive retail network. Thai consumers can anticipate the arrival of these trusted Singaporean brands in the fourth quarter of this year, offering them new and diverse product options that have become household staples in Singapore.

Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer of Food Group, Central Retail, said, “We are thrilled to partner with FairPrice Group, Singapore’s largest and most respected retailer. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring the best of Thai products to Singaporean consumers, offering them a taste of our rich culinary heritage.”

“This partnership is a significant step forward in our vision of becoming a ‘Truly World-Class Omni-Channel Lifestyle Food Retail provider.” By expanding our own brands, such as My Choice Thai, and supporting local SMEs under Tops Tongtin, we are not only introducing high-quality Thai products to an international market but also enhancing the omnichannel shopping experience for consumers in Singapore and Thailand. Leveraging FairPrice’s strong network, we ensure our products reach a wide audience, seamlessly integrating in-store and online platforms, which is core to our world-class retail strategy.”

Mr. Vipul Chawla, Group CEO, FairPrice Group added, “Singaporeans’ have an ongoing love and appreciation for authentic Thai food and snacks. We are excited to partner with Central Food Retail Group to offer our customers a wider range of high-quality Thai products and introduce FairPrice’s house brand products to Thai shoppers. This partnership aligns with our commitment to providing our customers with a diverse selection of products that meet their needs and preferences.”

This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Central Food Retail Group, as it not only strengthens the company’s presence in Southeast Asia but also supports the growth of Thai local products in international markets. By partnering with FPG, Central Food Retail Group continues its mission to bring the best of Thailand to the world, while FairPrice remains committed to making life better for all by offering quality products at affordable prices. With more products expected to be added in the next phase, this partnership is just the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful collaboration.

For more information, visit www.tops.co.th, Facebook TopsThailand, or the @TopsThailand LINE application.

About Central Food Retail Group

Central Food Retail Group (CFG), a subsidiary of Central Retail, operates Tops, Thailand’s largest supermarket chain. It offers a diverse range of food retail options, from premium supermarkets to convenience stores and specialty shops. Established in 1996, Tops has expanded to over 700 outlets nationwide and provides omnichannel and quick commerce services, including online shopping with a 1-hour delivery option and Tops Prime, Thailand’s first delivery subscription service. Tops also offers a wide selection of private label and exclusive brands, focusing on customer satisfaction, value, and sustainable practices.

About FairPrice Group

FairPrice Group was established in 2019 through the formation of four entities comprising NTUC FairPrice, NTUC Foodfare, Kopitiam, and NTUC Link, with the purpose of making life better for all and to fulfil a vision of being a leader in everything food. FairPrice Group looks to optimise the resources of all four social enterprises and leverage their respective strengths to put customers first, provide better value for all and to make everything about food easy.