2025-02-01
Thailand has a wide range of grocery chains and supermarkets where locals and tourists alike can shop for groceries, household items, and other goods. Whether you need to do some major shopping or just want a quick meal on the go, there is an option for everyone. Here are the five largest and most popular grocery chains in Thailand.
Lotus’s
- Number of stores: Over 2000 in Thailand
- Owner: Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)
- Description: Lotus’s, formerly known as Tesco Lotus, underwent a name change after the Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) bought the business from the British Tesco in 2020. The chain is one of the largest supermarket chains in Thailand. The chain offers everything from fresh food and household goods to electronics and clothing. They also have smaller store formats under the name Lotus’s Go Fresh, which function as convenience stores for faster purchases.
Big C
- Number of stores: Around 1800 in Thailand
- Owner: Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC), part of TCC Group
- Description: Big C is one of Thailand's leading supermarket chains and is available in several different formats, including Big C Supercenter, Big C Extra and Mini Big CHere you can find everything from fresh food to electronics and clothing. Big C is a popular choice for both locals and tourists, especially thanks to their affordable goods and constant promotions.
7-Eleven
- Number of stores: Over 12000 in Thailand
- Owner: CP All Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)
- Description: 7-Eleven is the most widespread convenience store chain in Thailand, found in almost every neighborhood, from Bangkok to remote provinces. The chain is known for its wide range of snacks, drinks and ready meals. Many 7-Eleven-stores are open 24 hours a day, making them a perfect solution for late-night shopping.
Makro
- Number of stores: Over 140 in Thailand
- Owner: Siam Makro Public Company Limited, a part of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)
- Description: Makro is a wholesale chain that targets both businesses and individuals. Here customers can buy large packages of food and household products at discounted prices. Makro is especially popular among restaurant owners and larger households who want to save money by buying in bulk.
Tops Market
- Number of stores: Over 120 in Thailand
- Owner: Central Food Retail Company Limited, a subsidiary of Central Retail Corporation (part of Central Group)
- Description: Tops Market is a premium supermarket with a focus on quality food and imported products. Here you can find a wide range of fresh vegetables, meat, fish and international products that can be difficult to find in regular Thai stores. It is a popular choice among expats and Thais looking for high-quality goods.
Summary
Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) is one of the dominant players in the Thai grocery retail sector and owns both Lotus’s, 7-Eleven and MakroTogether with other major players such as Berli Jucker Group (Big C) and Central Group (Tops Market), these chains form the core of Thailand's food and household goods retail industry.
Whether you need to do some bulk shopping, grab something quick on the go, or find international delicacies, Thailand has a wide range of grocery chains to choose from. Lotus’s and Big C are perfect for supermarket shopping, while 7-Eleven is ideal for quick purchases. For those who want to buy in larger quantities, we offer Makro good prices on bulk goods, while Tops Market is aimed at those looking for quality premium products.
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Text: The editorial staff
Image license: StockSnap, Pixabay, original image