Asian partnership takes supermarket to metaverse

  • March 29, 2022
  • Steve Rogerson

Thailand-based Central Food Retail has joined forces with Singapore firm Zipmex to launch south-east Asia’s first digital supermarket in the blockchain-powered metaverse.

This is part of Central Food Retail’s CRC Retailligence strategy to cement its leadership in food retail innovation. Joining forces with the Zipmex cryptocurrency platform, the company is launching a blockchain-powered supermarket, connecting modern consumers to the metaverse.

Stephane Coum, CEO of Central Food Retail, said the company’s vision was to use new technologies to become a 21st century leader in food retail innovation. By partnering with companies such as Zipmex, the gateway to new and unexpected retail experiences in the metaverse can open, he said.

The CRC Retailligence strategy is intended to drive retail innovations of the future, creating seamless experiences and to become central to life for all customers.

“This partnership reimagines south-east Asian retail,” said Coun. “We plan to tap into the retail potential of the metaverse, a world that runs on digital asset infrastructures such as crypto and NFT. We see enormous potential to enhance shopper experience and lifestyle through convenient, seamless and interactive access to products and services. The Covid-19 epidemic is also a key driver in re-shaping shopping behaviour as more people shop online, accelerating the development and uptake of new technologies and innovations in the retail space.”

Akalarp Yimwalai, CEO of Zipmex in Thailand, said the opportunity to partner with a leading Thai food retailer would create many customer benefits such as more seamless shopping and the ability to access products and services in real time.

“With the innovation expertise and leadership Zipmex has, we are the perfect gateway to the world of digital assets,” Yimwilai said.

Zipmex has been offering support and knowledge resources to retail customers and partners seeking to expand their businesses to the metaverse. Partners of Zipmex benefit from the ability to tap new market opportunities, drive revenue and increase customer awareness and engagement.

“Our partnership with Central Food Retail is the perfect starting point for innovations in the food retail industry both in Thailand and south-east Asia,” said Yimwilai. “We want to provide exciting new experiences for everyone and put Thai retail on the global stage.”