Market Information
Southeast Asia

Food and Beverage Retail Report - Singapore

February 2003

Prepared for the Canadian High Commission, Singapore
by Jennifer C. S. Norris

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Singapore Market
The Retail Sector (grocery trade)
Supermarkets in Singapore

The Players and their Market
Schedule of Listing Fees

Canadian Opportunities - Trends and Constraints
Food and Beverage Retail Survey
Company Index
Conclusions
Key Government Contacts and Sources of Information

Introduction

The Food & Beverage Retail Report has been devised as a handbook of practical information for use by Canadian agri-food exporters whose preliminary research has identified the Singapore market for possible penetration, whether solely within the country or as a strategy into the region. 

This document has been created as an update of the original report carried out by the Canadian High Commission of Singapore and published in January 2000. The objective is to provide an updated and qualified list of active companies who have indicated interest in importing and distributing Canadian agri-food products for the retail market.

All companies listed within this report have responded to a retail survey conducted through the Commercial Section of the Canadian High Commission in Singapore. The survey was conducted over a period of three weeks in December 2002. 

Data was derived from the survey,s 11 predominantly close-ended question. Additional information on the specific product group interests and future intentions were conducted through a random sampling of respondents with an additional interview process, to both extract greater specifics as well as validate information gathered through the survey. These interviews were conducted in the first part of January 2003. A total of 52 companies responded by returning the survey form.

This report also summarizes information related to the general business climate in Singapore as well as background information related to the Retail Food & Beverage Industry. Profiles of the leading supermarkets, as well as recent changes and developments in this sector are covered in this report. 

The background information on the business climate was obtained through various statistics provided by the Government of Canada, the Government of the Republic of Singapore, and various authorities within Singapore.

The Canadian High Commission in Singapore hopes that this report will assist Canadian agri-food exporters to more accurately target their product offerings, and speed potential business connections within Singapore. Companies who are interested in pursuing businesses listed in this report are encouraged to use the contact information provided in the index for each of these companies.

The Singapore Market

Singapore, an island city-state located at the tip of peninsular Malaysia in the heart of Southeast Asia, has an area of about 648 km². In spite of its small size and lack of natural resources, Singapore,s over 3-million population enjoys one of the most affluent per-capita GDPs in Asia at approximately US$24,000 (S$44,000). Singapore,s trade was about 2.7 times the size of its GDP in 1999. Singapore,s business strengths focus mainly on utilizing its free trade policy along with the country,s position in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore,s excellent business services, financial and manufacturing sectors are supported by one of the busiest ports and largest container ports in the world. Its efficient Changi international airport allows a free-flow of people and goods to Singapore, both as a destination as well as a gateway to ASEAN and Pacific Rim markets. 

A pro-business approach to policy and processes has given Singapore a list of accolades which include World,s 2nd freest economy (Economic Freedom of the World: 2002 Annual Report); Fifth least corrupt nation (Corruption Perception Index 2002); Best airport worldwide (IATA 2002); World,s 5th most competitive economy (World Competitiveness Yearbook 2002); and, World,s 4th most competitive economy (Global Competitiveness Report 2002). In spite of its economy being hard-hit by the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s, the country,s sound legal framework, clean and efficient government, emphasis on education and science and technology, good labour/employer relations, competitive telecommunications and increasingly competitive financial system makes the island-state a safe bet for continued international business. 

Regional

Singapore has been historically recognized as Southeast Asia,s distribution hub, and has been the base of operations for many food and beverage importers and exporters, providing administrative and financial support for business establishments in other countries in the region. 

This role, however, may be daunted in the future by the additional infrastructure being completed around Southeast Asia. Shipping destinations at Johor Bahru and Port Klang in Malaysia will challenge the country,s ability to maintain its part as a trans-shipment point for the region. However, Singapore,s long-standing ability to 'facilitate, around the region, tapping on computer and communications technology, incentives, and financial support, should retain its title as a vibrant entrance and distribution point for international business.

" Notwithstanding the repercussions of the Asian economic crisis, Singapore has continued to pursue liberal trade and investment policies and to deepen internal reform, especially in key services. A new WTO report on Singapore's trade policies says that Singapore has weathered the recent economic crisis in the region well mainly due to its stable and sound macroeconomic policies and its open trade and investment regime." World Trade Organization, Press Release, 22 March 2000.

The Retail Sector (grocery trade)

Description

Singapore continues to be considered one of the most developed food retail markets in Southeast Asia. With high disposable income, the monthly per capita food expenditure is S$219.30, based on the most recent Singapore Statistics Household Expenditure Survey (1997/98). This amount comprises an average monthly per capita expenditure of S$99.60 and S$119.70 on non-cooked and cooked food respectively. Due to the dearth of agricultural land on the island, Singaporeans are more dependent on imported food and beverage, resulting in higher expenditure on food products compared to neighbouring countries.

Catering primarily to household consumption, the grocery trade can be generally divided into three main categories of marketing channels and distribution. Provision shops are no-frills, small stores usually set up in highly populated residential areas to cater specifically to those "block" areas. They are usually family run and staffed. Mini-marts offer a slightly broader range of products in a more comfortable setting which increasingly includes some air conditioning. Supermarkets (added together by Statistics Singapore as Supermarkets and Departmental Stores cum Supermarkets) provide an extensive selection of products and tend to offer higher end products in the mix within an air-conditioned environment.

There are some general trends that have occurred from 1987. Generally, the number of grocery stores has declined. This is due to the reduced number of general provision shops and the increased number of both mini-marts and supermarkets. While these two latter categories have more than doubled their numbers since 1987, the number of provision shops has plummeted.

Number of Stores in Grocery Trade

There may be several reasons for this shift. Economic growth and generally higher incomes have enabled individuals to shop in establishments with greater selection and comfort. The shift from provision shop to mini-mart seems to also hold advantages for small entrepreneurs in that these mini-marts are often franchised and provide the owner with better management systems, stock control and more effective purchasing power. For those with good business savvy, existing provision shops have been "up-grading" to mini-marts.

With the emergence of both national and international supermarket chains, which tend to be more aggressive in their marketing strategies, the number of stores has risen from 60 in 1987 to about 153 in 2000. These establishments also provide a much higher level of employment as they have expanded, compared to provision shops or mini-marts. As the supermarkets continue to consolidate and increase their buying power, they will become an even greater force in Singapore.

Even after the tough economic climate of the late 1990s, the grocery trade has grown. From 1987 to 1997 turnover increased at about 7.2 per cent annually, supporting the growing population and the increased demand for grocery products amongst consumers. 

Turnover by Store Format

Supermarkets recorded the highest growth, especially between 1997 and 2000. Some factors that have supported the trend towards supermarket shopping are that supermarkets have been moving into the "heartlands" of residential housing for increased access. Individuals are also becoming more affluent and savvy to a wider variety of foods and grocery products, thus demanding a wider range of goods. Finally, the number of working women continues to increase. This group tends to prefer shopping in supermarkets for convenience, atmosphere and value for money. It looks as though these trends will continue to make supermarket shopping a preferred, although not exclusive, choice for Singaporean grocery shoppers in the future. 

Supermarkets in Singapore

The Players and Their Markets

The Singapore supermarket scene, with its expansion to 153 stores as at January 2003, must now include Hypermarkets within its classification. This new sector includes two players at this time, catering to an increasing number of customers who appreciate the wider arrangement and choice of hypermarket shopping. Even within the category of supermarket, there has been and increase in the focus of target market levels that range from upmarket to discount format. The players, their store numbers and markets are listed below. The connections between stores are also highlighted. They are presented in alphabetical order.

Hypermarkets:

Carrefour

This well-known hypermarket from France is present in 31 countries around the world and entered the Singapore scene within the last four years. Known for its deep pockets, this hypermarket did not expand quickly to additional locations and remained with its one (1) flagship store within the central business district since inception. Its broad, international variety of food and beverage products stems mostly from European, and predominantly French, sources. It was recently announced, however, that it will finally be opening a second store in Plaza Singapura, at the heart of one of the new public mass transit interchanges in the central city and shopping area. This will be happening at some point around mid-year 2003.

Carrefour Singapore Pte Ltd 
3 Temasek Boulevard #01-043 
Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983 
Tel: +65 6333 6868 
Singapore@carrefour.com 

Giant

Giant offers a wide range of local merchandise and a wet market environment. Following the successful launch of this format of stores in Malaysia, Giant,s emphasis of its stores is "Ethnic and Fresh". There are presently three (3) hypermarket stores in Singapore, opened in relative quick succession. Giant is a 100% owned company of the Dairy Farm Group, who also own Cold Storage (G,value and Jason,s described below). Dairy Farm Group also owns 7-Eleven Convenience Stores, as well as Guardian Pharmacies across Singapore.

Giant Hypermarket
2 Jurong East Street 21
#01-100 IMM Building
Singapore 609601
Tel: (65) 6565 4700
Fax: (65) 6565 5431

Supermarkets:

Cold Storage

As one of the first supermarkets to establish itself on the island-state, and in operation since 1903, Cold Storage Singapore is now wholly owned by Dairy Farm Group. It operates 39 outlets around the country. The chain takes the lead in setting high standards in fresh food handling in Singapore (The Fresh Food People) through its distribution centre. There are 25 outlets under the Cold Storage label, one (1) Jason,s store which is positioned as more of a "purveyor of fine food and wine", four (4) Market Place stores which cater to the upper income markets, and nine (9) G,Value shops, which have been positioned to target local value-conscious residents looking for everyday needs.

Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte Ltd 
1 Sophia Road #06-38
Peace Centre, Singapore 228149
Tel: (65) 6337 2766
Fax: (65) 6339 0398
www.coldstorage.com.sg  

NTUC FairPrice

In the early 1970s, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) launched its first supermarket co-operative. Since that time, with the mission to stabilize the prices of essential consumer products, NTUC FairPrice has expanded to 69 outlets. This is inclusive of two (2) Liberty Mart stores, an upmarket supermarket format. In 2002, FairPrice was in the process of building a central fresh food distribution centre to increase cost savings over the long term. FairPrice continues to have the highest number of outlets positioned throughout all areas of Singapore.

NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd.
680 Upper Thompson Road
Singapore 787103
Tel: (65) 6456-0233
Fax: (65) 6457-5670 
www.fairprice.com.sg  

Shop N Save

Shop N Save opened its first discount supermarket in 1994. With the mission of "Great Value Always" Shop N Save has expanded using its major discounter entry position. The company now has 35 outlets around the country. QAF Ltd and Delhaize "The Lion" Group are both owners in this supermarket chain and are looking to expand aggressively into the regional market.

Shop N Save Pte Ltd
No.48 Geylang Lorong 21
#04-01 Tai Thong Hung Building
Singapore 388464
Tel: 6746 9188 Fax: 6842 7488
www.shopnsave.com.sg 
Email: sns@shopnsave.com.sg 

Shing Shiong

Shing Shiong caters to the "heartland" of Singapore, the highly populated residential areas of the country. As suggested by its name, Shing Shiong caters more to local fare and tastes. A minor player in the supermarket scene, the company has six (6) outlets in Singapore.

Schedule of Listing Fees

Singapore is the first country in the Southeast Asian region to implement slotting fees. While not all supermarkets practice this fee structure, two of the biggest supermarket players, Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice do. Below are examples of slotting listing fees that give an example of the potential costs for products being brought to Singapore.

Cold Storage (25 outlets under the Cold Storage name)

New Product (Vendor Listing Fee) S$2500
First Product S$80/store
Product Variant S$30/store
Processing Fee S$200

NTUC FairPrice

Processing Fee:
Per product S$300
Per additional variant S$30
Per festival product S$80
(exclusive of 4% GST)

Listing Fee:
Per product S$85/store
Per additional variant S$10/store
Festival products exempt

Canadian Opportunities - Trends and Constraints

Generally, the Singapore market is a good one to enter into for Canadian agri-food producers. There is an affluent and expanding market within the country and many of the Singaporean importers and exporters of products are interested in taking advantage of their regional hub position to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond. 

Singapore, however, is extremely price conscious. With the increasingly savvy population, innovative and value-added products are in higher demand, but with a cost sensitivity that should be noted. Agri-food products imported into Singapore must conform to regulatory requirements. Health certificates and supporting documentation are needed for meat, poultry and seafood items. Canada and Singapore have agreed to specific import regulatory requirements for most meat imports, including bison. However, other exotic meats currently do not have agreements in place. The issue of Halal products, those that are handled and processed within the requirements of the Muslim community, is becoming increasingly important for widespread acceptance in Singapore. Many importers and questioning the viability of non-Halal certified food and beverage products in this country and region.

Major agri-food sources to Singapore include Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and some of the European countries. Their perceived proximity, compared to North America and especially Canada, gives them an advantage of being top of mind. More often than not, proximity is associated with lower cost and increased freshness.

Based on the interviews conducted for this survey, Canada can take advantage of its exchange rate to differentiate itself from the United States. Canada seems recognized as a high quality producer of food and beverage products but may need to take advantage of goods that have added value as opposed to commodity level products. However, with the question of safe supplies of products, and specifically in meats, secondary sourcing may be a valuable opportunity for Canada.

Comments from some of the companies interviewed suggested that "healthy" was an increasing buzzword in Singapore - organic, health, fresh. It was also indicated that convenience foods - frozen goods that can be place in chillers and are ready to serve, from meals to desserts - are in increasing demand, both for retail customers as well as food services. 

Adding to the convenience trend, Petrol (gas) station grocery outlets are becoming increasingly popular for basic goods, confectionery products and ready-to-serve items. A cross-breed of the mini-mart, grocery store and convenience store, these outlets are an additional opportunity for Canadian exporters.
Additional notes made specifically by participating companies have been added to the Company listing section for easy reference.

Canada,s reputation as a solid supplier needs to be backed with a willingness to build a relationship with Singapore importers. With the size of the Singapore market remaining small, the need for consolidators or the facilitation of smaller orders will be key in accessing and expanding in this market.

Food and Beverage Retail Survey

The survey used for the study has been added for your reference. The charts presented on the following pages after the survey, provide an alphabetical listing of companies that participated by responding to the Food and Beverage Survey and their respective import product interests. As such, Canadian companies can cross-reference their own export product interests to specific companies in Singapore. Plans by companies of their future interest and involvement - from import/export within Singapore, extending to the region, interest in the North American market, or joint venture / R&D plans - are also listed alphabetically by company name in subsequent charts. Contact details and other relevant information for each of the participating companies is provided in the Company Index section. This also includes additional information from one-on-one interviews with selected companies.

Company Index

Companies participating in the survey are listed below. Additional comments from companies have been included to facilitate understanding of the Singapore Food and Beverage Retail scene.

Amosco Pte Ltd
18 Tannery Lane #06-03A Lian Tong Building, Singapore 347780
Mr. Raymond Chong, Deputy General Manager
Tel: 6749-3988, Fax: 6745-2892
Import/export, manufacturing, processing, and distribution for the Finger Food Industry
Staff Strength: 10 to 15,
Year Established: 1990,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million
Comments: frozen appetizers / cocktail or buffet foods; crab claws, ready-to-serve Strong supporter of Canada

Ampor Singapore
26 Woodlands Terrace Woodland East Industrial Estate, Singapore 738449
Mr. EE Kheng Guan, Director
Tel: 9633-9796, Fax: 6755-8301
LIM Kim Hioh,
Tel: 9027-8033, Fax: 6755-8301
Email: ampor@singnet.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 30,
Year Established: 1977

Angliss Singapore Pte Ltd
232 Pandan Loop , Singapore 128420
Ms. Angie Watt, Product Manager
Tel: 6770-4167, Fax: 6778-3966
Staff Strength: 100,
Year Established: 1948,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million

Auric Pacific Marketing Pte Ltd
2 Enterprise Road , Singapore 629814
Mr. Steven Lauw, Executive Director
Tel: 6867-9117, Fax: 6262-3475
Email: slauw@auric.com.sg 
Website: www.auric.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 230, 
Year Established: 1995,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million

Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd
Block 21 #01-142 Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, Singapore 110021
Mr. Ronald Ang, General Manager
Tel: 6777-7333, Fax: 6777-1400
Email: ronald@banchoon.com.sg  
Import/export, manufacturing, processing, and distribution organisation
Staff Strength: 32, Year Established: 1983, Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: fresh fruits/vegetables; wild and cultivated mushrooms (fresh/dried/frozen) Indirectly connected with JV registered in Canada, mushroom technology

Ban Dee Heng Trading Pte Ltd
152 Paya Lebar Road #04-04 Citipoint Industrial Complex, Singapore 409020
Mr. Peter Thio, Managing Director
Tel: 6746-5174, Fax: 6747-4050
Email: bdhtrdg@pacific.net.sg  
Import/export Organisation
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Be Fresh Pte Ltd
Blk 21, Pandan Loop #01-161, Singapore 128239
Mr. LIM Mah Tat, Director
Tel: 6779-1889, Fax: 6774-0795
Mr. Richard Soh, Manager
Tel: 6774-5846, Fax: 6872-2046
Email: alfresh@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export, Processing, Packaging, and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 43,
Year Established: 1997,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: Be Fresh is linked in with the companies associated with Meidiya (please refer to company write-up). As a predominantly fresh food arm, the company presently brings in strawberries from California as well as other berries from the USA by air. Salads for the company are sourced from Europe. However, they would be interested in finding other suppliers to bring in a wide variety of products, noting that freight, transit periods and handling are all going concerns.

Ben Foods (S) Pte Ltd
1 Fishery Port Road , Singapore 619729
Mr. Charles Ong, Business Manager
Tel: 6267-4385, Fax: 6777-2869
Mr. Philip Lee,
Tel: 6267-4371, Fax: 6777-2869
Email: cong@benfoods.com  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 86,
Year Established: 1950,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million
Comments: cheese Distribution in ASEAN

Canadec Pte Ltd
39 Tyrwhitt Road , Singapore 207538
Mr. E. C. Lim, Managing Director
Tel: 6293-3332, Fax: 6298-3548 - Serene Lee 
Email: canadec@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 15,
Year Established: 1992,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Cellarmaster Wines (Singapore) Pte Ltd
63 Hillview Avenue #02-08 Lam Soon Industrial Building, Singapore 669569
Mr. WHANG Suang Ying, Director
Tel: 6766-5185, Fax: 6766-5201
Mr. Peter Chu, Managing Director
Tel: 6766-5185, Fax: 6766-5201
Website: www.cellarmasterwines.com 
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 3,
Year Established: 1995,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Chiap Seng & Co. Pte Ltd
31 Hong Kong Street , Singapore 059670
Mr. LEE Choon Giart, Managing Director
Tel: 6535-7037, Fax: 6532-3315
Email: cseng@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 10,
Year Established: 1958,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million
Comments: canned luncheon meat; water purifier/distiller 

Chuen Cheong Food Industries (Pte) Ltd
41 Defu Lane 3 , Singapore 539454
Mr.CHIA Weng Kaye, Managing Director
Tel: 6283-0084, Fax: 6284-2753
Mr. William Tan, Business Development Manager
Tel: 6285-1501, Fax: 6284-2753
Email: ccfipl@singnet.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 42,
Year Established: 1930,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million
Comments: soya bean drink 

Culina Pte Ltd
24 Senoko Way , Singapore 758046
Franck Riclot, Manager of Food Division
Tel: 9821-1153, Fax: 6753-2420
Mr. Wei Min Ng,
Tel: 6753-6966, Fax: 6753-2420
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 46,
Year Established: 1994,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: canola oil 

Dah Chong Hong Trading (S) Pte Ltd
259 Pandan Loop , Singapore 128435
Miss Cindy Liau, Sales Manager
Tel: 6776-8588, Fax: 6773-6276
Email: liauc@dch.com.sg 
Website: www.dch.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 30,
Year Established: 1983,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: frozen meat 

Euraco FineFood Pte Ltd
Blk 219 Henderson Road #01-03 Henderson Industrial Park, Singapore 159556
Mr. Sebastian Tan, Managing Director
Tel: 6276-5433, Fax: 6276-2978
Ms Jill Tan, Manager
Tel: 6276-5433, Fax: 6276-2978
Email: sales@euraco.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 34,
Year Established: 1987,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

F&N Foods Pte Ltd
214 Pandan Loop , Singapore 128405
Mr. WANG Eng Chin, Deputy General Manager
Tel: 6779-4566, Fax: 6773-1430
Subadevi Napoleon, Assistant General Manager
Tel: 6779-4566, Fax: 6779-6681
Staff Strength: 300,
Year Established: 1967,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million
Comments: soya products 

Focus Network Agencies S'pore Pte Ltd
No. 87 Defu Lane 10 #02-01 The Excalibur Building, Singapore 539219
Mr. LOO Lip Giam,
Tel: 6858-1800, Fax: 6858-1808
Ms. Esther Loo, General Manager
Tel: 6858-1800, Fax: 6858-1808
Email: loofocus@thecocoatrees.com  
Staff Strength: 45,
Year Established: 1993,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Forecore Pte Ltd
41 Tampines Street 92 #04-01 ABR Bldg., Singapore 528881
Mr. Stephen Yee,
Tel: 6788-3382, Fax: 6788-3136
Ms Evelyn Chee,
Tel: 6788-3382, Fax: 6788-3136
Email: forecore@pacific.net.sg  
Import/export, Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 20, Year Established: 1989, Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: Forecore at the moment has a tendency to be pro-European in their product line, due to proximity as well as subsidies. The company's work with modified packaging is increasing their interest in short shelf life products and items from further away. Future plans for the company are to open large, urban-based gourmet shops, with the possibility of a North American area to highlight specialties. Competitive cheese and dairy, pastry products, deli meats, berries, seafood (oysters) and other niche or gourmet products are of interest to the company. Their interests in the bakery business may increase their needs for innovative expansion products and supplies. The company has a good awareness of Canada and has a long history with the country.

Fresh N Natural Foods Pte Ltd
105 Sims Avenue #09-10 Chancerlodge Complex, Singapore 387429
Mr. Melvin Neo, Managing Director
Tel: 6547-4222, Fax: 6547-4533
Ms Wendy Lim, Business Manager
Tel: 6547-4222, Fax: 6547-4533
Email: melvin@freshnnatural.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 15, Year Established: 2000, Annual Turnover: 
Comments: fresh produce - fruits/vegetables 

Friesland (S) Pte Ltd
61 Quality Road , Singapore 618818
Ms Dawn Phang,
Tel: 6265-1344, Fax: 6265-8930
Cecilia Tan,
Tel: 6265-1344, Fax: 6265-8930
Email: friesin@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 40,
Year Established: 1954,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Frosts Food & Beverage Pte Ltd
24 Tuas Avenue 12 , Singapore 639041
Mr. LEOW Tze Wen,
Tel: 9790-9871, Fax: 6861-1066
Ms Julie Haw,
Tel: 9786-7323, Fax: 6861-1066
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Comments: bottle drinks (glass bottles) Frosts is moving away from commodity frozen products. The company has an existing relationship with a frozen juice provider in Canada and acts as their Asian distributor. All parts of the company are aiming at the high upper-middle end of the market. Halal products are seen as very important for sales in Singapore especially convenience products, frozen pastries, ready to eat and pre-packaged foods. As a supplier for convenience stores in Singapore, desserts and frozen cheesecakes are increasingly popular. The situation in Singapore is very price competitive. The market for frozen convenience (both retail as well as food services) is growing and there is a dearth of innovative products. Convenience products in the dry goods area is also something that the company is interested to look into. The company's past experience with importing from Canada (lobsters) was positive, however with season variation and cargo, local producers had price advantage

Gan Teck Kar Investments Pte Ltd
159 Sin Ming Road #02-03 Amtech Building, Singapore 515625
Ms Angela Low, Senior Marketing Manager
Tel: 6251-0711, Fax: 6251-1434
Ms Jenny Tan, Marketing Manager
Tel: 6251-0711, Fax: 6251-1434
Email: alow@gtk.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 29,
Year Established: 1991,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: Products for both retail and food services GTK has been looking for Canadian suppliers for food products. They are interested in locating products that are "innovative", "meaningful", "funky" - items with nice packaging, a great taste, with the concept of "natural" foods running through their line. They are open to many ranges with value-added products and gourmet foods as a specialty. Possible products of interest are organic or natural cereals, gourmet soda pops like root beer, premium ice cream and dairy products. Soy-based snacks must be flavourful (as must all foods for the Singapore market) - bland foods in this spice-taking country does not sell as well. GTK provide for food service as well as their own restaurants and are in the market for bakery goods and ready cooked foods as there tends to be limited kitchen sizes that cafes are working with. The company is planning to expand into Malaysian a much more aggressive way in the future. While the Canadian dollar is favourable at the moment, shipping costs seem to be of concern.

Global Live Seafood Supplies
11 Fishery Port Road , Singapore 617933
Mr. David Chong, Managing Director
Tel: 9623-3998, Fax: 6355-0302
Ms Pearly Lam,
Tel: 9450-4286, Fax: 6355-0302
Email: glolive@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export, packing and Reprocessing, and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 5,
Year Established: 1998,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Goodman Wines & Spirits Pte Ltd
171 Chin Swee Road #08-06 San Centre, Singapore 169877
John G. Bones, Director
Tel: 6737-0102, Fax: 6737-3887
Patrick Tay, Business Development Manager
Tel: 6737-0102, Fax: 6737-3887
Email: gcplsing@singnet.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 4,
Year Established: 1993,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million
Comments: regional distribution of wine, spirits, beer as well as tobacco/cigarettes 

Hock Tong Bee (Pte) Ltd
347 Bukit Timah Road , Singapore 259720
Mr. Clinton Ang, Managing Director
Tel: 6732-0555, Fax: 6737-5910
Norman Ang, Executive Director
Tel: 6732-0555, Fax: 6737-5910
Website: www.comeslanewines.com.sg 
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Kim Sing Company Pte Ltd
315 Outram Road #07-01 , Singapore 169074
Mr. Philip Khoo, Director
Tel: 6221-5360, Fax: 6227-1569
James Khoo,
Tel: 6221-5360, Fax: 6227-1569
Email: kimseng@magix.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 10,
Year Established: 1967,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Li An Foodstuff Pte Ltd
75 Tuas View Walk 1 , Singapore 637615
Ms Stephanie Lim, Senior Manager
Tel: 6898-2112, Fax: 6898-2002
Email: email@lianfood.com 
Website: www.lianfood.com 
Staff Strength: 25,
Year Established: 1987,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Malaysia Dairy Industries Pte Ltd
2 Davidson Road , Singapore 369941
Mr. LIM Choo Peng, General Manager
Tel: 6288-6421, Fax: 6288-8634
Mr. CHAN Kok Seng, Logistics Manager
Tel: 6288-6421, Fax: 6288-8634
Email: mgmt@mdi.com.sg 
Website: www.mdi.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 590,
Year Established: 1963,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million

Meidi-ya Singapore Company Pte Ltd
222 Pandan Loop , Singapore 128410
Mr. LIM Mah Tat, Managing Director
Tel: 6779-1889, Fax: 6774-0795
Email: limahtat@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export Organisation
Staff Strength: 46,
Year Established: 1980,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million
Comments: Meidiya Japan, in a joint venture, owns part of Meidi-ya Singapore Co. Either through Meidi-ya Japan or Lim Mah Tat, the companies Nor-Scan and Be Fresh are associated to the group. This gives them group buying power and they can take advantage of some of the cost advantages where possible. However, even with this larger purchase power, the company feels it is buying small quantities and is looking for a consolidator in Canada for regular consignments of meat, cheese, salad, and seafood products. The company is also looking for high quality beef products. As of 1 April 2003, the company will be taking over on the retail front to own a retail supermarket. This will open up an avenue for providing products to the store directly.

Moh Seng (Importer & Exporter) Pte Ltd
2 Kallang Avenue #01-08/09 Kallang Bahru Complex, Singapore 339407
Mr. Francis Toh, Managing Director
Tel: 6292-1957, Fax: 6297-0406
Email: mohseng@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 20,
Year Established: 1973,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Natrad Food Pte Ltd
149 Ubi Avenue 4 , Singapore 408778
Mr. Lum Choong Hon, Director
Tel: 6746-9498, Fax: 6745-9965
Mrs. LING Ee Ping, Director
Tel: 6746-9490, Fax: 6745-9965
Email: natrad@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 24,
Year Established: 1979,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Network Foods Distribution Pte Ltd
12 Woodlands Link , Singapore 738740
Mr. Jin Teck Lim, General Manager/Director
Tel: 6757-7650, Fax: 6757-0070
Email: jinteck@networkfoods.com.sg 
Website: www.networkfoods.com.sg 
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 25,
Year Established: 1960s,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million
Comments: chocolate 

Ng Nam Bee Marketing Pte Ltd
10 Woodlands Link , Singapore 736786
Mr. LOW Lee Yong, General Manager
Tel: 6757-0555, Fax: 6757-2292
Staff Strength: 150, Year Established: 1988,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million
Comments: sugar, rice, flour 

Nor-Scan Marketing Pte Ltd
222 Pandan Loop , Singapore 128410
Mr. Douglas Inch, General Manager
Tel: 6773-7178, Fax: 6773-7179
Mr. Freddy Wee, Sales Manager
Tel: 6773-7178, Fax: 6773-7179
Email: norscan@singnet.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 11,
Year Established: 1990,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million
Comments: Part of the Meidiya associated group (see Meidiya company write up). Products the company are interested in include clams, oysters, hokigai, and whelks. The quantities that are ordered are on the low volume end. The company's past experience with Canadian mussels (marinated in sauces) were too salty and with not enough sauce . However they would be very interested in value-added products. Smoked salmon which might have been sourced from North America is now sourced locally. The company is also getting sausages from the USA - with the Euro going up, they are looking to North America for purchases.

Pacific Beverages Pte Ltd
52, Genting Lane #04-03B Complex 1, Singapore 349560
Mr. John Walker,
Tel: 6858-2338, Fax: 6858-2339
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 35,
Year Established: 1996,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Paramount Food Pte Ltd
348 Jalan Boon Lay P.S.C. Complex, Singapore 619529
Mr. F.L. Leong, Managing Director
Tel: 6262-1228, Fax: 6262-1776
Michael Kang,
Tel: 6262-1228, Fax: 6262-1776
Email: paramountfood@pacific.net.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 20,
Year Established: 1993,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Petra-SPT Marketing Pte Ltd
13 Woodlands Link , Singapore 738725
Mr. FONG Chia Hoi, General Manager
Tel: 6754-6656, Fax: 6755-7715
Ms TAN Wan Ling, Marketing Manager
Tel: 6754-6656, Fax: 6755-7715
Email: fongch@petra-SPT.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 25,
Year Established: 1992,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Seppo Enterprises Pte Ltd
629 Aljunied Road #04-01/02 Cititech Industrial Building, Singapore 389838
Mr. Robert Seah, Managing Director
Tel: 6748-8770, Fax: 6748-8382
Email: sepporm@magix.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 24,
Year Established: 1981,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Shin Chin Distributors Pte Ltd
3 Kallang Junction , Singapore 339265
Mr. Patrick Lim, Director
Tel: 6298-9595, Fax: 6296-5885
Mr. T.W. Thia, General Manager
Tel: 6298-9595, Fax: 6296-5885
Website: sg.geocities.com/sk-shinchin/home.html 
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 63,
Year Established: 1975,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Shiro (Singapore) Pte Ltd
11 Chang Charn Road #06-01 Shiro House, Singapore 159640
Mr. Thomas Wong, Divisional Manager
Tel: 6378-8125, Fax: 6472-1792
Email: thomaswg@singnet.com.sg  
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: fortified drinks 

Sime Darby Edible Products Ltd
255 Jalan Boon Lay , Singapore 619524
Mr. Mark Chua,
Tel: 6660-4237, Fax: 6265-5129
Mr. YAP Chu Yu,
Tel: 6660-4202, Fax: 6265-5129
Website: www.simedarbyepl.com 
Import/export, Manufacturing, Processing, and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 130,
Year Established: 1938,
Annual Turnover: Above 50 Million

Sin Li-Hin Frozen Food Pte Ltd
Blk 15 #04-01/04 Woodlands Loop Woodland East Industrial Estate, Singapore 738322
Mr. A.C. Tan, Managing Director
Tel: 6755-3773, Fax: 6754-5700
Mr. C.C. Au, Director
Tel: 6755-3773, Fax: 6754-5700
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Sun Kee (Pte) Ltd
36 Jalan Kilang Barat , Singapore 159366
Mr. Sentoso Lim, Marketing Manager
Tel: 6293-9388, Fax: 6293-9377
Ms Georgia Lim, Business Development Manager
Tel: 6293-9322, Fax: 6293-9833
Email: enquiry@sunkee.com 
Website: www.sunkee.com  www.abalone.com.sg 
Staff Strength: 10,
Year Established: 1979,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Thong Seik Food Industry Pte Ltd
14 Senoko Way , Singapore 758039
Ms Dianna Kwek, General Manager
Tel: 6852-8334, Fax: 6754-4030
Email: tsfi@thongsiek.com 
Website: www.thongsiek.com 
Staff Strength: 300,
Year Established: 1980s,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million

Tipex Trading Pte Ltd
348 Jalan Boon Lay , Singapore 619529
Mr. Richard Sim, Senior Sales & Marketing Exec
Tel: 6268-7600, Fax: 6266-1286
Email: info@tipex.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 40,
Year Established: 1983,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: paper products 

Toh Li Food Products Pte Ltd
10 Senoko South Road , Singapore 758097
Mr Leonard Lee, Managing Director
Tel: 6758-4567, Fax: 6757-1171
Email: tohli@singnet.com.sg  
Staff Strength: 50,
Year Established: 1990,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Twin Food International Pte Ltd
Block 2, Pasir Panjang Distripark Unit 27, Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118482
Mr. Andrew Teo, General Manager
Tel: 6475-1906, Fax: 6275-0247
Kastine Tay,
Tel: 6475-1906, Fax: 6275-0247
Website: www.twinfood.com 
Staff Strength: 21,
Year Established: 1992,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

William Jacks & Co. Pte Ltd
8 Kaki Bukit Road 2 #03-31/32 Ruby Warehouse Complex, Singapore 417841
Mr. LIM Chin Soon, Regional Director
Tel: 6416-0118, Fax: 6744-2274
Website: www.naturesfarm.com 
Staff Strength: 130,
Year Established: 1982,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million
Comments: food supplements and vitamins 

Win Sin Pte Ltd
12 Woodlands Link , Singapore 738740
Mr. C.K. Cheong, CEO
Tel: 6757-4477, Fax: 6755-9903
Email: general@win-sin.com 
Website: www.win-sin.com 
Staff Strength: 60,
Year Established: 1969,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Wine Sense Private Limited
491 River Valley Road #01-12 Valley Point, Singapore 599299
Ms. WEE Chen Yen, Director
Tel: 6738-5670, Fax: 6738-5569
Email: chenyen@winesense.com.sg 
Website: www.winesense.com.sg 
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 7,
Year Established: 1996,
Annual Turnover: 1-5 Million

Xie Chun Trading Pte Ltd
Blk 4008 Depot Lane #01-84 , Singapore 109762
Mr. Harry Chung, Managing Director
Tel: 6278-2488, Fax: 6273-8214
CHUNG Suan Lim,
Tel: 6278-2488, Fax: 6273-8214
Email: slxct@singnet.com.sg  
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 25,
Year Established: 1980,
Annual Turnover: 5-20 Million

Yamakawa Trading Co (Pte) Ltd
64 Toh Guan Road , Singapore 608832
Mr. ONG Huat Kee, Managing Director
Tel: 6567-8200, Fax: 6567-0832
Mr. ONG Hual Choo, Senior Director
Tel: 6567-8200, Fax: 6567-0832
Email: ohk@yamakawa.com.sg 
Website: www.yamakawa.com.sg 
Import/export and Distribution Organisation
Staff Strength: 62,
Year Established: 1981,
Annual Turnover: 20-50 Million
Comments: rice; tea, coffee, sake 

Conclusions

In the area of Food and Beverage Retail, the information and statistics provided in this report should provide Canadian companies with some basic tools to use when approaching potential import/export or development partners in Singapore. There appear to be many Singapore businesses that are looking for long-term partnerships with innovative products. As Singapore remains a smaller market, these companies are looking to work with Canadian companies to find solutions which lead to mutually beneficial relationships. Companies interested in further information and assistance in pursuing business opportunities in the agri-food industry in Singapore and regionally should contact the company directly or liaise with the Canadian High Commission in Singapore:
Mr. Francis Chan
Commercial Officer
Tel: (65) 6325-3274
Fax: (65) 6325-3294
E-mail: francis.chan@dfait-maeci.gc.ca 

Canadian High Commission, Singapore
80 Anson Road #14-00
IBM Towers
Singapore 079907
Tel: (65) 6325-3200
Fax: (65) 6325-3294

Key Government Contacts and Sources of Information

Government Contacts

Canadian High Commission, Singapore
80 Anson Road #14-00
IBM Towers
Singapore 079907
Tel: (65) 6325-3200
Fax: (65) 6325-3294

Food Control Department
Ministry of the Environment
Environment Building
40 Scotts Road #19-00
Singapore 228231
Tel: (65) 6731-9884
Fax: (65) 6731-9843 

International Enterprise Singapore
230 Victoria Street #09-00
Bugis Junction Office Tower
Singapore 188024 
Tel: (65) 6337-6628
Fax: (65) 6337-6898

Singapore Department of Statistics
100 High Street #05-01
The Treasury
Singapore 179434
Fax : (65) 63327689

Information Resources

http://www.sedb.com  - The Singapore Economic Development Board provides data and information on Singapore as well as a forum for industry.

http://www.iesingapore.com  - The ex Singapore Trade Development Board globalink home page is now International Enterprise Singapore. IE Singapore provides information for Singapore companies venturing abroad as well as partnership information and connection for international firms interested in coming into Singapore.

http://www.mti.gov.sg  - Ministry of Trade and Industry is the source for information on international agreements including Free Trade Agreements.

http://www.singstat.gov.sg - The Statistics Singapore globalink home page. Provides information related to trade statistics for Singapore.

http://www.infoexport.gc.ca  - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada) web site for The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, providing information on trade news and opportunities.

http://atn-riae.agr.ca  - Agriculture Canada web site providing information on trade opportunities and reports for the Agri-Food Industry.

http://asiacuisine.com  - Asiacuisine carries information on the food and beverage trade in Singapore and around Asia