Japanese Supermarket Chain LOPIA Launches First Store in Thailand

BANGKOK — Japanese supermarket chain LOPIA has opened its first branch in Thailand at Central Chaengwattana, marking its expansion into Southeast Asia. The store officially opened on 11 February on the ground floor of the shopping complex, occupying about 1,000 square meters. It offers products across five main sections: meat, fruits and vegetables, seafood, ready-to-eat meals and processed goods, with a focus on Japanese imports. Hitoshi Mizumoto, Director and Head of Asia Headquarters, said the company aims to bring Japanese food products to overseas markets while maintaining its principle of offering quality products at accessible prices. Among the store's key offerings are wagyu beef imported from Japan and large-sized sushi made from seafood such as tuna and scallops. Mizumoto said the company oversees its own beef procurement and processing to maintain quality standards and manage costs. LOPIA operates under Japan's OIC Group, which is involved in livestock, food manufacturing and trading businesses. For the fiscal year ending February 2025, the group reported sales of 521 billion yen. The supermarket chain currently operates 139 branches in Japan. Thailand is LOPIA's second overseas market after Taiwan, where the company began expanding in 2023. Mizumoto said Taiwan has served as a model for its international growth, adding that the company sees potential to build a similar customer base in Thailand.