CP AXTRA Opens “Market Insight” Platform to Connect Thai Products with Modern Trade Opportunities Empowering Thai Entrepreneurs with Market Insights and Direct Business Matching with Real Buyers

Bangkok, 8 October 2026 – In today’s competitive market, the success of Thai products is determined not only by how good a product is, but also by how well it understands the market. The concept of “Market-led Production” has therefore become increasingly important for entrepreneurs seeking to grow in Modern Trade. Developing products that meet consumer needs starts with understanding market demand and extends to designing products and presenting them in ways that align with the requirements of each retail channel.

CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, operator of the wholesale and retail businesses “Makro–Lotus’s,” in collaboration with the Business Matching Committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, organized “Market Insight @ CP AXTRA” under the theme “Market-led Production: Raising Standards and Creating Opportunities for Thai Products in Modern Trade.”

The platform provided Thai entrepreneurs with insights and practical perspectives from CP AXTRA executives on the modern retail market, while also creating opportunities to connect with the business through direct discussions with CP AXTRA’s purchasing teams and real Buyers.

A total of 40 selected entrepreneurs participated in the event, representing a diverse range of promising businesses and products. Among them were entrepreneurs who gained opportunities through the “Platform of Opportunity,” one of CP AXTRA’s channels for providing Thai entrepreneurs and products with access to markets and business opportunities through the Makro and Lotus’s networks.

From “Product-Centric” Thinking to “Market-Led” Thinking

What makes this platform distinctive is its focus on helping entrepreneurs move from “thinking from the product” to “thinking from the market.” Participants gained insights into consumer needs, products with growth potential, and the key factors to consider when introducing products to Modern Trade—from product development to how products are presented and positioned on retail shelves.

Ms. Kingkarn Thongtan, Senior Manager – Product Development (Consumer & General Merchandise), CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, shared key considerations for entrepreneurs seeking to enter Modern Trade “An important approach for entrepreneurs is to ensure readiness in terms of standards, relevant registrations or certifications, product quality, and product development that responds to today’s consumer needs. New entrepreneurs interested in entering Modern Trade can learn more and submit their applications via cpseeding.com/cpaxtra.”

Connecting Entrepreneurs with Real Buyers

CP AXTRA also gave entrepreneurs an opportunity to experience the product selection process from the perspective of real Buyers through a Business Matching session with the purchasing team. Entrepreneurs were able to present their products and engage directly with Buyers while receiving feedback and perspectives from the purchasing team. This helped them gain a clearer understanding of what the market is looking for and how they could further develop their products to increase their opportunities in Modern Trade. Today, more than 2,000 entrepreneurs have their products available through Makro–Lotus’s, reflecting the network’s role in connecting Thai businesses with modern retail opportunities.

Learning How Products Win at the Point of Sale

Another key insight shared at the event focused on Lotus’s product merchandising strategies. This helped entrepreneurs understand that beyond the product itself, how it is presented at the point of sale can play an important role in building consumer awareness and influencing purchasing decisions. Gaining insights directly from the retailer provides entrepreneurs with practical information that can be applied to further develop both their products and marketing strategies.

In a retail landscape where consumers have more choices than ever, the competitive question for entrepreneurs may no longer be simply “What can we produce?” but rather “What does the market need, and how can we develop our products to meet those needs?”

This reflects another important role for CP AXTRA in connecting market insights with business opportunities, enabling Thai entrepreneurs not only to learn about Modern Trade, but also to gain perspectives from real Buyers and apply those insights to develop their products and create tangible opportunities for growth in the market.

Entrepreneurs interested in learning more can visit cpseeding.com/cpaxtra. For updates on news and other activities, follow CP AXTRA Thailand on Facebook.