The Commerce Ministry's Intellectual Property Department, in partnership with CP All Plc, the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores, yesterday kicked off a scheme to sell geographical indication (GI) products online, a move to help expand channels for farmers and local producers.
Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol, the deputy commerce minister, said six GI products are available at www.shopat24.com, operated by 24 Shopping Co, a subsidiary of CP All Plc.
The six products are Thung Kula Rong Hai rice, Sangyod Muang Phatthalung rice, Chiang Mai celadon pottery, Doi Tung coffee, Lamphun golden dried longan and Sakon Nakhon natural indigo dyed fabric.
"Shoppers can buy them on the website and pick them up at their choice of 7-Eleven branch nationwide," Mr Weerasak said.
There are 133 GI products registered in Thailand, 116 of which are local products from 75 provinces, while 17 are foreign products.
On Feb 18, the cabinet ordered the Interior Ministry to support and promote provinces developing GI products, which are expected to generate income for the community and add value to local offerings.
The government aims to raise sales from GI products to more than 30 billion baht in five years, linking GI locations to tourism schemes.
GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating in the territory of a particular country, region or locality. The mark reflects the unique characteristics and quality of products, which in turn boosts market value.
Mr Weerasak said the Commerce Ministry set a target to increase the number of GI-registered products to cover all 76 provinces and two administrative regions by January 2020.
GI product sales topped 4 billion baht last year, up from 3.7 billion baht in 2017.
So far, Thailand has GI registrations in foreign countries for six product items: Thung Kula Rong Hai hom mali rice, Doi Chaang coffee, Doi Tung coffee, and Sangyod Muang Phatthalung rice in the EU; Isan indigenous Thai silk yarn in Vietnam; and Lamphun brocade Thai silk in India and Indonesia.