How to Penetrate the Singapore F&B Market: Seminar by Akira Yasuda
Bhutan Delegates Learn About Singapore F&B
Monday, 18 May 2026, our company’s representative and managing director Mr. Akira Yasuda delivered a seminar to delegates from Bhutan, including agri-entrepreneurs from the country who participated in the Bhutan Agri-Food Business & Market Linkage Mission event in Singapore, 15-21 May 2026. Mr. Sangay Thinley, the Chief Marketing Officer in Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Royal Government of Bhutan also participated in the seminar.
Seminar Insights
The seminar began with the introduction of Vintage Management Pte Ltd as a company that serves as a bridge between Singapore and Japan, led by Mr. Akira. One of its achievements including democratizing plant-based meat in Singapore, having introduced it by providing support in product refinement and halal certification, and promoting it to the Japanese restaurant Aburi-En and the café The Connoisseur Concerto (tcc) in Singapore.
Next, Mr. Akira introduced the Singapore F&B scene, in which 90% of food is imported and local farms produce little as compared to the whole provisions in Singapore. New entrants face new challenges such as product differentiation, rent, labor shortage and wage pressure. Mr. Akira also noted a novel digital channel for the Singapore F&B market, citing that online ordering and digital tools should not be overlooked as they might increase efficiency and speed in the increasingly competitive market.
A lot of consumers are beginning to value convenience more than ever, said Mr. Akira. Due to the busy landscape of Singapore, Singaporeans have come to like food courts, cafes and delivery friendly establishments. However, it’s worth mentioning that consciousness towards health and sustainability is on the rise, and restaurants operating on a good cause, for example, using biodegradable utensils or containers, might be viewed more favorably. Halal certification is also one considerable point that opens doors to a large consumer segment not only in Singapore but also surrounding countries.
Mr. Akira concluded that the Singapore F&B landscape still holds opportunities despite intense competition, and strong ideas can still grow. He closed the seminar with an advice on differentiating products as a player in the market, and to make use of connections forged from people met.
Mr. Akira also invited the Bhutan delegates to the JCI Singapore x JCI Japan business matching on the same day. The participants were able to learn a new perspective on the Singaporean F&B market, and also experience a fruitful meeting with potential collaborators.
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A lot of players are entering the little red dot’s food landscape.
Are you one of them?
We Vintage Management have supported 500 companies in their expansion overseas, and will be glad to support your business in expansion to other countries.
Contact us here for a free discussion.
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