China F&B brands view Singapore as first stop before expanding to Asean

SINGAPORE consumers are seeing a new wave of Chinese food and beverage (F&B) brands entering the local market as the Republic gains popularity as a point of entry to the region.

Such businesses consider Singapore an important first stop as building a strong brand presence here earns them an international reputation, which helps them expand, industry players from China told The Business Times.

As at end-June, there were about 184 outlets run by 32 Chinese F&B brands in Singapore. Roughly nine in 10 of these outlets have opened since the Covid-19 pandemic, said consultancy Momentum Works.