Number of supermarkets Thailand 2023, by chain

In 2023, the number of Lotus' go fresh outlets in Thailand was estimated to amount to 178 outlets. Although the number of supermarkets was forecasted to increase, traditional retail is still important to local consumers. 

Leading supermarket chains and its segmentation

Lotus’s, formerly known as Tesco Lotus, has continuously expanded its Lotus express branches and hypermarkets in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing chains of food retailers in Thailand. Lotus’s stores, and other leading supermarkets such as Big C, are targeted towards consumers of all income levels in the country. Comparatively, premium supermarkets segmented towards higher-income groups sell imported goods and specialty products. Leading chains in this segment include Tops supermarket, Villa Market, Foodland, Gourmet Market, and MaxValu.

FMCG outlets and distribution channels

Apart from supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores are also major distribution channels for food and beverage products. The leading convenience store chains in Thailand are 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus express, Mini Big C, and Family Mart. Additionally, there are a variety of independent grocers called Cho- stores all over the country. Forecourt retailers are also a common channel of product distribution since open-air markets are extremely common in Thailand. Other than brick-and-mortar distribution channels, business owners, especially major chains, are updating online platforms and service options to enhance Thai consumers' shopping experiences.