Bangkok, 29 September 2025 — TOPS, the food business under Central Retail, is advancing the quality of life of Thai farmers while driving sustainable grassroots economic growth. In partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Maha Samut Seafood, TOPS is adding value to Thai local products by opening a retail channel for Three-Water Seabass from the Ban Koh Yo Seabass Farmers Group, Moo 9, Songkhla Province. The fish are reared according to sustainable, marine-ecosystem-friendly practices under environmentally conscious aquaculture standards with sustainable management. They are certified with Geographical Indication (GI) status and carry the Green Flag Fisheries logo — a guarantee of freshness, cleanliness, and safety. This underscores TOPS’ leadership in sourcing top-quality ingredients from outstanding origins and delivering them to consumers across Bangkok. The product is available in the Fish Monger zone at TOPS FOOD HALL and TOPS ONLINE.
Mr. Buncha Sukkaew, Director-General of Department of Fisheries, said, “This collaboration with TOPS translates government policy into tangible action with the private sector — particularly in elevating aquaculture products into standardised retail systems and aligning with the needs of modern consumers who prioritise safety, quality, and sustainability. Introducing ‘Three-Water Seabass’, which carries the Green Flag Fisheries logo, into the modern trade distribution chain not only expands market opportunities for farmers and fishing communities, but also promotes an environmentally responsible and sustainable aquatic animal production system. This aligns with the Department of Fisheries’ approach to support farmers in transitioning their production processes to environmentally friendly standards.
“At present, over 257 entities have registered for the Green Flag Fisheries logo, with 215 entities authorised — representing around 83%. For processed aquatic products, 647 items have been registered, with 332 items authorised (51%). These figures reflect producer readiness and a broadening collaboration that is expanding from the community level to the national level. The Department of Fisheries believes that such cooperation will play a vital role in driving the grassroots economy, ensuring food security, and serving as a key mechanism for the qualitative and sustainable long-term growth of Thailand’s fisheries industry.”
Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer – Food Group, Central Retail, stated that “This partnership marks another important step for TOPS in elevating retail while creating a positive impact for society and the environment across every facet of our operations. Responsible sourcing — the careful and accountable selection and procurement of products — is central to TOPS’ approach. We choose products not only for their quality, but also with regard to their origin, production methods, processes and their impact on the economy, society, and the environment. “In addition, TOPS steadfastly supports local partners who operate with sustainability at their core, while creating stable sales channels for small operators — a vital mechanism that propels the grassroots economy towards the macroeconomy. For ‘Three-Water Seabass’ from Songkhla Lake, the farmers who rear these
fish maintain traditional, ecosystem-conscious aquaculture and fishing methods. This results in seabass that are safe for consumers and ensures that Thai people can enjoy high-quality seabass sustainably over the long term. Moreover, ‘Three-Water Seabass’ has been registered for Geographical Indication (GI) and certified with the Green Flag Fisheries logo. This is a clear example of seamless collaboration between TOPS, business, community identity, and consumers — delivering a fresh experience to customers while providing stable income for local fishing communities, which form a crucial foundation for a sustainable economy.”
Beyond fisheries, TOPS also pursues responsible sourcing and selection across categories, expanding support to farmers and local entrepreneurs through initiatives such as ‘Jing Jai Farmers’ Market’, which provides a direct-to-consumer platform for 12,300 farming households at 32 locations across 28 provinces; and ‘TOPS TONGTIN’, which opens the door for SMEs to bring local products into leading retail business through a model that supports small-scale entrepreneurs. Currently, over 130 entrepreneurs selected through the programme are TOPS partners, with more than 500 items available. Collectively, these efforts reflect TOPS’ commitment to creating market opportunities for small operators and to driving sustainable growth in Thai community economies. The initiative emphasizes careful and responsible product selection and sourcing, fully aligned with the ‘12 Missions to Sustainable Retail’ strategy and the ‘Small Acts Together’ philosophy, which holds that every small action can create meaningful, large-scale change.
Ms. Thirachitra Ratchasi,Company Director and representative of the fishing community, TM Foods Supply Co Ltd (Mahasamut), added that “On behalf of the Koh Yo fishing community, we are deeply proud and delighted that TOPS is supporting us and creating the opportunity for our ‘Three-Water Seabass’ to be sold in a leading national supermarket. TOPS’ support not only creates livelihoods and adds value to our products, but also inspires fishers to continue improving. It is a strong affirmation that traditional fishing has enduring value and can stand proudly in the modern market.
“What makes Three-Water Seabass unique is that it is the only Thai seabass reared in Songkhla Lake, which spans three provinces — Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Nakhon
Si Thammarat — where fresh, brackish, and salt water converge. This results in fish with firm flesh, a clear pink hue, and a distinctively sweet, fresh taste. They also grow larger than other types of seabass, weighing from 3-5 kg and up to 8 kg. We rear them naturally for over two years, without chemicals, and use the Japanese ikejime technique to maintain freshness, reduce fishy odour, and raise the quality to sashimi grade. The fish are certified with Geographical Indication (GI), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and the Green Flag Fisheries logo — confirming their status as truly clean, safe, and sustainable local products.”
“TOPS will continue to expand collaboration with all sectors to connect quality products from Thai communities with consumers nationwide. We want every purchase to deliver not only freshness, safety, and standards, but also the transmission of local wisdom — creating sustainable, stable income for farmers which in turn supports the long-term sustainable quality of life for Thai society.” Mr. Stephane concluded,
Savour the fresh taste of ‘Three-Water Seabass’, premium produce from Songkhla Lake, available now in the Fish Monger zone at participating TOPS FOOD HALL branches and via TOPS ONLINE.
For more information, please visit www.tops.co.th, Facebook: TopsThailand, or LINE: @TopsThailand.
#TOPS #EveryDayDISCOVERY #SustainableRetail
#SmallActsTogether #3WaterSeabass
