Singapore
Singapore is traditionally a free port with over 99% of all imports being duty free. The most common way to
enter the Singaporean market is to use a local agent or distributor. Other ASEAN countries can also be served
through the Singaporean market.
The Singaporean market is relatively small compared to the other four main countries in the ASEAN region.
However, with its highly affluent population and array of upscale supermarkets with diverse product offerings,
the Singaporean market may be more suitable for Canadian food exports than other ASEAN countries.
Traditional wet markets, sundry shops, and “mom and pop” shops are the most popular in terms of outlet
numbers (representing 70% of all grocery outlets), but they cater to lower-income consumers. Therefore,
modern grocery retail dominates Singapore’s market in terms of value sales.
Hypermarkets have the highest sales in the modern grocery retail segment (US$1.6 billion in 2010, as shown
on page 15), with FairPrice as the most popular chain. FairPrice generally caters to low- to mid-income
consumers while FairPrice Finest superstores cater to high-income consumers, offering Swiss and European
style bakeries and wine cellars. There are 6 FairPrice Finest stores in Singapore. The Cold Storage group
(owned by Dairy Farm), which also owns Jason’s Market Place, offers many gourmet products catering to
high-income expatriates, tourists, and Singaporeans. These stores are located in city centres, but Cold Storage
retail outlets focus more on fresh foods, while Jason’s Market Place focuses more on organic, natural and
premium products. Carrefour also offers foreign products and caters to middle- and upper-class citizens.
Large Singaporean grocery retailers purchase imported products directly from the exporter or foreign-based
wholesaler, while smaller grocery retailers purchase from local distributors or importers. FairPrice Finest
usually uses direct sourcing, but will use some preferred agents for smaller volume supplies. The Cold Storage
Group uses direct sourcing, as well as a preferred list of agents. Carrefour purchases products directly from
supplier groups.
The Philippines
Consumers in the Philippines have the lowest per capita disposable income of the five main ASEAN countries,
and sari-sari stores (wet markets and independent small grocery retailers) represent about 70% of the
country’s grocery market value sales. The abundance of traditional grocery retailers is due to the number of low
income consumers, their close proximity to places of residence, and consumers’ ability to run a ‘tab,’ which is
easier for villagers on seasonal incomes. However, modern grocery retailing is expected to grow in the future,
while traditional independent retailers will see sales decline.
The top modern grocery retailers in the Philippines recorded sales of US$2.9 billion in 2010 (as shown on page
15). Hypermarkets achieved the highest sales of any modern retail channel, with SM hypermarkets being the
most popular. Other popular modern grocery banners include: Pure Gold Price Club (hypermarket),
Save More (neighbourhood store), Robinsons Supermarket (hypermarket) and ShopWise (hypermarket).
Only a few grocery retailers in the Philippines target middle- to upper-income consumers, such as
Robinsons Choice Supermarket and Rustan Supermarkets, both located in Eastwood City, the latter of which
has 22 outlets throughout the country. Upscale bakeries are also unique to the Philippines, with chains such as
Red Ribbon Bakery and Delifrance. There are 250 Red Ribbon Bakery locations in the Philippines that allow
customers to personalize their cakes and pastries.
There is a particular trend among grocery retailers to open in mall locations, and sometimes create their own
shopping centres, such as Walter Mart. These shopping centres act as anchor places for Filipino consumers
looking to shop for groceries and non-food items, while also allowing them to eat and socialize.
Private Label Products
Private label products are not traditionally embraced in the five major ASEAN countries, but have been gaining
more acceptance due to the economic downturn, and the growing consumer realization that they are not
necessarily lower quality than branded items. Aggressive marketing campaigns and the increasing number of
private label products have also helped sales growth. Grocery retailers such as FairPrice, Dairy Farm and
Sheng Siong Supermarkets have plans to both increase the number of private label products offered in their
stores, and include premium products in this expansion.
Private label products were not popular in the Philippines before 2010, as consumers would not purchase
unknown brands and retailers did not promote their private label products very well. However, the recession
caused even mid- and high-income Filipinos to cut back on their grocery spending. In Singapore and Malaysia,
private label products are presented to consumers in a three-tier format: budget, mid-pric