Central Group and its affiliated companies join forces to strengthen local identity, uplift the grassroots economy, and create shared value for sustainable growth
Central Group reaffirms its mission of “growing alongside Thai society sustainably” by developing local products that reflect the identity, culture, and way of life of communities nationwide. By joining forces with its affiliated companies, the Group drives projects that raise the quality, standards, and market potential of community products so they can compete in today’s market. Believing that “the root of sustainability begins with the root of the community,” Central Group supports community products as a keyway to preserve Thai local wisdom, turn local knowledge and ingredients into innovation and new consumer experiences, generate revolving income for communities, strengthen Thailand’s economic foundations, and build pride in local roots.
‘Central Tham’ Central Group Sustainability Projects
The “Mae Tha Sustainable Living Space” Project in Mae On District, Chiang Mai
Promotes organic farming and nurtures next-generation farmers to drive sustainable agriculture. Supports production, processing, and distribution via Jing Jai Farmers’ Market and Tops Supermarket, with infrastructure meeting FDA standards. Develops agro-tourism through the “Mae Tha Organic Community Enterprise” as a learning center and homestay, generating over 14 million baht in 2024 for 130 households and welcoming 800+ visitors in 2024
Ban Thepphana Agriculture and Local Products Learning Centre, Chaiyaphum
Collaborating with local authorities and educational institutions, the project transformed over 5,000 rai of land into low-carbon agriculture, generating a total income of over 41 million baht. The products are sold through Tops and Jing Jai Farmer Markets, while expanding the network of over 1,000 avocado growers and expanding into local community tourism in collaboration with the Tourism and Sports Office.
Ban Kut Chik Indigo and Natural Dye Weaving Learning Center
In Sakon Nakhon, the Ban Kut Chik Community Weaving Enterprise preserves indigo and natural dyeing traditions while developing durable modern fabrics with Kasetsart University. The project established dyeing and weaving houses and a showroom, supported by Good Goods and Central Department Store. Community income rose from 350,000 to over 3.6 million baht, attracting 3,000+ tourists annually and showcasing sustainable economic development.
Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC)
Central and Robinson Department Stores
With the Love the Earth project, support for environmentally friendly products through Central Edition, combining creative works from communities across Thailand and the work of new designers who use recycled materials to design products, along with the launch of the Organic Zone in the beauty department of Central Chidlom, the first in Thailand to include truly green beauty products. There is also promotion of the use of natural, biodegradable or recyclable materials, reducing single-use plastics.
Jing Jai Farmers’ Market at Tops Market
Open space for local farmers to sell safe vegetables and local products directly, connecting farmers with consumers to exchange and develop products, and creating shared value with the community. The project began in 2018 at Tops Central Udon Thani and has expanded to 28 provinces, supporting over 12,300 households and upgrading community products across over 5,000 SKUs, generating a total income of over 160 million baht by 2025.
Thai Watsadu
Providing opportunities for potential local communities to bring products that reflect their identity and culture to the market, creating sustainable careers and income, by collaborating with five community entrepreneurs in five provinces: Phrae, Nakhon Pathom, Prachinburi, Maha Sarakham, and Lampang, to sell their products in branches nationwide. The project has been in operation since 2013, generating a total income of over 5.1 million baht /year.
Central Retail Vietnam
The "Livelihood for Community" project has been implemented to raise the incomes of small-scale farmers, especially ethnic groups and mountain communities, since 2017. This project has helped farmers earning less than 7 million dong per month. By 2024, it will be expanded to six projects in three provinces, generating over 4.4 billion dong in production value and improving the quality of life of over 126 households.
Central Pattana Public Company Limited
Central Pattana
Central Pattana allocates retail space in its shopping centers nationwide to support the grassroots economy, hosting over 2,700 activities for local products, OTOP goods, and provincial specialties, including Sacit fairs, Plern Craft, Royal Project fairs, fruit surplus markets, “Jing Jai Maha…Nakorn” at centralwOrld, and Thailand Rice Fest. Through dedicated community zones, cultural spaces, and the “Go Local Love Local” project with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the company promotes cultural tourism, preserves local identity, and generates sustainable income for communities nationwide.
Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) / Centara
Centara
focuses on promoting community development through the preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage by incorporating regional identity into hotel design, decorations, and services. Centara also supports community products and local handicrafts to create sustainable income for communities, while respecting local ways of life, wisdom, and historical sites. In 2024, Centara Hotels & Resorts supported 6,066 community-made souvenir products from 23 communities for sale in hotels and as turndown gifts in guest rooms.
Central Restaurants Group Company Limited (CRG)
CRG and Salad Factory
In partnership with Salad Factory, CRG supports “Farm Samart” at the Association of People with Disabilities in Pathum Thani, providing 1 million baht for facilities, pesticide-free greenhouses, and vocational training, enabling sustainable income through produce sold at Farm Samart Café. Salad Factory also sources vegetables from 45+ farmer groups nationwide, boosting local farmer income and providing safe food to consumers.
