The journey of customers and business innovation in the retail industry comes to a close once again. As the curtain falls, let us reflect on the stories from the second half of the year—highlighting the transformative changes, groundbreaking breakthroughs, and the rise of new players in the retail arena. This period has witnessed a shift in how businesses approach customer engagement, technology, and sustainability. Alongside this, we have seen the evolving expectations of customers, who are now more informed, demanding, and conscious of their purchasing decisions.
As we look back on the key moments, game-changing trends, and emerging strategies, we explore what’s shaping the future of shopping. Learn who the consumer of tomorrow is and discover the strategies you’ll need to capture their attention. After all, in this ever-changing arena, the consumer will always be the king.
At RetailWise, we firmly believe that keeping a finger on the pulse of what the market wants isn’t just a strategy but the heartbeat of a successful business.
Stay updated with RetailWise’s comprehensive Retail Report for H2 2024! Gain insights into the latest developments and trends in the retail industry at global, regional, and local levels. Discover innovative advancements and understand the dynamic changes shaping the retail sector. Don’t miss out, click below to stay ahead in the retail world!
The country’s private label grocery market is projected to reach $896 million this year, according to a report by the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Manila.
Private label products accounted for 7 percent of total food and beverage (F&B) grocery sales in the Philippines.
Total F&B grocery sales are projected to reach $12.8 billion in the Philippines this year, a 5 percent year-on-year increase, FAS Manila office said in a report dated Jan. 15.
“This growth is expected to continue at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent over the next five years, outpacing the broader Asia Pacific market’s projected CAGR of 4 percent,” according to the FAS Manila.
Private labels are products manufactured or packaged for sale under the name of the retailer rather than that of the manufacturer.
“With some grocery operators aiming to double their private label portfolios within the next five years, significant opportunities exist for exporters to supply US food and beverage products under both US and grocers’ private label brands,” FAS Manila said.
In the past five years, private label products have made up an average of 7 to 10 percent of grocery food and beverage sales in the Philippines which is higher than the Asia Pacific average of 6 percent, FAS Manila said.
The USDA-FAS Manila regularly reports on food and beverage grocery sales, including private labels, to help American exporters identify existing opportunities for the products in the Philippine market.
As of end-2024, SM Markets, Puregold Price Club and Robinsons Retail dominated the food and beverage grocery sector, which collectively accounted for 50 percent market share in terms of grocery operators, it added. SM Markets accounted for a 22 percent share through its outlets such as SM Supermarket and Hypermarket, Savemore Supermarket, Alfamart convenience store and Waltermart Supermarket which carries private label brands such as SM Bonus, Alfa Savers and Everyday.
Puregold Price Club had a 16 percent share. Its stores include Puregold Supermarket, Hypermarket and S&R Membership Club selling private label brands like Pure Basics, Member’s Value and Fresh Pick.
Robinsons Retail covered 12 percent of the market. The company operates Robinsons Supermarket, Marketplace Supermarket, Shopwise Hypermarket and Uncle John’s convenience store, with private label brands Surebuy and Healthy You.
Independent grocery operators having a single grocery brand, such as 7-Eleven, Metro Retail Store Group, Super8, Landers and Prince Retail Group, cornered 14 percent of the market.
The remaining 36 percent share was spread over more than 1.3 million micro-operators located throughout the country.
Our final stop for our Singapore retail store visit is Little Farms in Holland Village, home to their first-ever Urban Concept Grocer & Restaurant. This two-story space perfectly blends a thoughtfully curated grocery on the ground floor with Little Farms Table, a cozy café upstairs offering handcrafted dishes made from scratch—free from MSG, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives.
Why Little Farms Stands Out
Little Farms is Singapore’s friendly neighborhood market, dedicated to providing fresh, all-natural, and organic groceries sourced directly from trusted farmers and artisans around the world. Their “Freshness Guaranteed” promise ensures that if you’re unhappy with the freshness or quality of any purchase, they’ll gladly provide a refund or replacement.
Here’s what makes Little Farms special:
Cheese & Deli Counter: Discover varieties of cheese and premium charcuterie selections, offering something for every palate.
Fresh Produce & Ethical Sourcing: Their fresh fruits and vegetables are the stars of the store, complemented by a butchery that exclusively features ethically raised, regeneratively farmed meats. They also support sustainability with their Im-Perfect Produce section, where slightly blemished but perfectly edible produce is sold at discounted prices.
Banned Ingredient List: Little Farms is deeply committed to transparency and health, enforcing a strict Banned Ingredient List that excludes over 200 potentially harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, and additives. Shopping here means you can trust every ingredient to be safe and natural.
Ready-to-Eat Options & Bakery: For those on the go, Little Farms offers a selection of freshly baked bread and wholesome ready-to-eat meals, prepared with the same high standards of quality and care.
Little Farms Table: On the second floor, enjoy an all-day dining menu featuring delicious dishes crafted from fresh, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or family, and private rooms are available for special occasions.
Wine Selection: A carefully curated range of wines awaits, making it easy to pair the perfect bottle with your groceries or meal.
Little Farms is all about making healthy living accessible, offering a mindful shopping and dining experience that’s as delicious as it is ethical. This grocery is a must-visit destination for fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully sourced food!
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
Vietnamese coffee chain Cong Caphe is set to open its first Philippine outlet in February at Gateway 2 Mall in Quezon City.
Known for its signature 1970s-inspired interiors and unique coffee offerings, the brand aims to bring an “authentic Vietnamese coffee experience” to Filipino customers. It makes its coffee using Vietnamese Robusta beans.
Founded in Hanoi in 2007 by former performance artist Linh Dung, Cong Caphe currently operates 66 stores across Vietnam, with 45 located in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The cafe is known for its creative take on traditional Vietnamese coffee, including specialties like coconut coffee, coconut green rice coffee, and coconut pho coffee.
Cong Caphe made its international debut in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 and has since expanded to Malaysia, Canada, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay offers so much more! Imagine a supermarket with a cozy bar nestled, a dining area in the middle of the supermarket, and a workshop area. This isn’t just shopping—it’s an experience that redefines retail therapy, taking it to an entirely new level.
FairPrice Finest is one of the premium retail formats under NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, Singapore’s largest retailer. Its portfolio includes FairPrice Supermarkets, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, FairPrice Xpress, and Cheers convenience stores.
This 14,000-square-foot warehouse-inspired outlet at Clarke Quay, marks the 40th FairPrice Finest store in Singapore.
Far beyond the conventional supermarket, FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay transforms errands into opportunities for culinary discovery, social connection, and even recreation. Whether you’re sipping a signature cocktail at the bar, savoring a gourmet meal, or actively listening at a workshop, this unique destination is where shopping, dining, and entertainment meet seamlessly.
Singapore’s Love for Fresh and Local
Singaporean supermarkets are celebrated for their devotion to fresh produce, sushi, and delicatessen delights. FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay elevates this tradition with thoughtfully curated selections and a deep commitment to supporting local suppliers.
The Grocer Food Hall
At the heart of the store is the Grocer Food Hall, where different food kiosks serve a variety of cuisines. A standout feature? The “You Pick, We Cook” service. Pay for your seafood/beef and cooking fee and let them know how you would want it cooked, and next enjoy your food.
Comfortable seating areas invite you to enjoy your meals in a relaxed and vibrant setting—perfect for casual meetups or a quick break from shopping.
The Grocer Bar
Looking to unwind? Head to the Grocer Bar, it’s the ideal spot to relax and take in the energy of Clarke Quay.
Local Collaboration and Sustainability
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay takes pride in its collaborations with local businesses. Highlights include a curated selection of fresh produce from Singaporean farmers. By celebrating local, the store underscores its commitment to community and sustainability.
If you come to Singapore, this place is a must visit and enjoy your own gourmet journey at FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay, where the joy of shopping meets the art of living.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
Bread Ahead Expands into the Philippines: A Culinary Journey Begins
In an exciting development for the culinary landscape of the Philippines, the renowned bakery chain Bread Ahead has forged an exclusive franchise agreement with Specialty Food Retailers Inc. (SFRI). This significant partnership marks Bread Ahead’s inaugural entry into the Asian market, bringing with it a wealth of baking experience and a commitment to quality that has made it a beloved brand in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Founded in London in 2013 by Matthew Jones, Bread Ahead is celebrated for its artisanal approach to baking, specializing in sourdough bread, delectable doughnuts, and New York-style sourdough pizza, among other gastronomic delights. The brand’s reputation was built on a foundation of craft and quality, setting it apart in an increasingly competitive market. With six locations already established across the UK, as well as a growing presence in the Middle East with locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, Bread Ahead is poised for continued international growth.
SFRI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rustan Group of Companies, is strategically positioned to facilitate Bread Ahead’s expansion in the Philippines. The local expertise and established networks of SFRI will be instrumental in launching a total of 15 new bakery locations throughout the archipelago, complemented by a dedicated bakery school. This initiative aims not only to provide high-quality baked goods but also to educate and inspire locals to embrace the art of baking. The bakery school will offer workshops that cover everything from classic techniques to innovative recipes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of baking within the community.
The choice to enter the Philippine market reflects a broader trend among international brands looking to tap into the burgeoning culinary scene in Southeast Asia. As food culture continues to evolve, there is a growing appetite for artisanal and specialty food products. The collaboration between Bread Ahead and SFRI will undoubtedly enrich the local food ecosystem, offering a blend of British baking traditions and local tastes.
Furthermore, Bread Ahead’s ambitions do not stop at the Philippine archipelago. Plans are already underway to explore opportunities for advancement into neighboring countries. Such expansions could potentially establish Bread Ahead as a leading force within the region, catering to an expanding demographic of food enthusiasts eager for international flavors and experiences.
In the context of rising interest in food-related experiences, this venture resonates with a growing trend towards experiential dining. As consumers increasingly seek out not just food but the stories behind it, the introduction of a baking school aligns perfectly with contemporary dining philosophies that prioritize engagement and education. Through this fusion of dining and learning, Bread Ahead is set to cultivate a community of baking aficionados, further enhancing its brand loyalty.
As the Philippines grapples with its own unique economic challenges and opportunities in gastronomic tourism, the timing of Bread Ahead’s launch is particularly salient. The establishment of bakeries and a school dedicated to baking empowers local entrepreneurs and creators, enriching the community by fostering skills that can translate into various facets of the local economy.
In light of such developments, the expansion of Bread Ahead serves as a beacon of possibility. It illustrates the impact of thoughtful partnership and dedicated craftsmanship in an evolving global marketplace. As the brand prepares to make its mark on the Philippines, it promises to not only deliver high-quality baked goods but also to contribute to the cultural tapestry of the nation through culinary education and engagement.
In conclusion, the arrival of Bread Ahead in the Philippines signifies a new chapter in the region’s vibrant food scene. With its commitment to excellence and community engagement through educational initiatives, this partnership is poised to leave an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. As we look forward to the opening of these new locations, there is great anticipation for the delicious innovations that will emerge from this exciting collaboration.
The ramifications of such expansions underline the dynamic intersection of global trends and local cultures, illustrating how food can serve as a bridge between communities in an increasingly interconnected world.
The recent trail of typhoons that hit the country has had devastating effects on Filipinos. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and tragically, their lives. Time and again, the resilience of Filipinos in the face of adversity makes headlines across various facets of society. Despite the heartache, Filipinos continue to show their strength in withstanding calamities.
Unfortunately, our crops have not been as resilient.
According to a report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), the total agricultural losses in the country due to Typhoons Kristine and Leon have reached a staggering 6 billion pesos. One can only imagine the gravity of this loss for our hardworking farmers – who have toiled in the fields, looking forward to the harvest season. But in just a few days, a typhoon can wipe out everything.
In the recent years, the Direct-To-Farm (DTF) approach has emerged among retailers. This model has gained popularity among consumers as a win-win-win situation for the three key stakeholders: consumers, retailers, and farmers. Furthermore, this approach has helped consumers understand how much effort farmers put into feeding the nation. DTF has not only made products more accessible and affordable for consumers, but it also put a face to the food we eat.
While this model has worked and improved the situation for all stakeholders, the devastating effects of the recent typhoons prompt us to think of other ways retailers and farmers can support each other during such crises, which are becoming more frequent in the country.
To establish a system that supports both affected farmers and retailers looking for fresh produce to offer consumers, the following suggestions can be considered:
1. Set Up a Digital Platform or Network
A centralized digital platform could be created for farmers to list products that survived the typhoon. While these items may not be in the condition, they are still safe for consumption. Retailers can access the platform to directly purchase these goods.
However, given the technological limitations in the country and farmers’ unfamiliarity with digital tools, it would be beneficial for an independent organization to gather this information from farmers and input it into the digital platforms.
2. Establish Logistics Support
Logistics support should be set up to connect farmers directly to retailers. This could involve partnering with delivery companies to ensure timely transportation, reducing further losses or damage to the produce.
3. Offer Discounted but Reasonable Prices
Typhoons may damage products, making them less than “store perfect.” Retailers can benefit from purchasing these items at discounted but still reasonable prices. One of the biggest challenges for farmers after a typhoon is discarding their produce because it no longer meets quality standards. In some cases, they are forced to sell at deeply discounted prices, which hardly covers their expenses, let alone the cost of replanting for the next season.
At the store level, retailers can communicate that these products may not be in perfect shape but are still safe to consume. Moreover, by purchasing these “rescue crops,” consumers can feel good about supporting farmers during tough times. For example, stores could set up a dedicated “rescue crops” section or offer bundles or “resilient boxes” containing a variety of produce at discounted prices.
4. Ensure Transparency
Maintaining consumer trust is essential. Retailers should be fully transparent about the condition of the produce by using clear tags or labels with full disclosure. Retailers can also emphasize that purchasing these imperfect products help support post-disaster recovery.
5. Develop Support Programs
Retailers can partner with government agencies to educate farmers on how to recover financially after a typhoon. Additionally, retailers can commit to purchasing crops, ensuring that farmers have a guaranteed income stream post-disaster.
6. Establish Micro-Lending or Crowdfunding Programs
While the above initiatives will aid in recovery, some farmers will experience massive losses and need financial support to start over. Retailers could contribute to these funds in exchange for guaranteed supply arrangements.
Going Beyond Just Direct Purchasing
As the saying goes, retail is always evolving. Purchasing directly from farmers and eliminating intermediaries is just the first step in building a more sustainable and transparent food system that benefits all stakeholders. As consumers increasingly demand fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products, retailers and farmers must work together to meet this demand. By implementing the suggested action points, we can strengthen retailer-farmer relationships, contribute to nation-building and community resilience, and involve consumers directly in the process. After all, wise collaboration in retail ploughs the way to a sustainable future.
Is the Head of Operations at RetailWise (formerly Euroasia Research Experts, Inc.). She is also the Division Merchandise Manager of Heyday for Beauty and Fresh Departments, implementing Direct-To-Farm Approach and advocating for rescue crops.
CS Fresh Supermarket truly lives up to its name—everything is genuinely fresh, from fruits and vegetables to the delicatessen, meat, and seafood sections.
Fruits and vegetable area
Fresh butchery and meat area
Fresh seafood
CS Fresh by Cold Storage is an upscale supermarket spanning over 2,700 sqm at Basement 1 of Great World. It’s a haven for gourmet enthusiasts, featuring bespoke butchery services, a world-class selection of beer, wine, and spirits, a fresh bakery, fresh sushi, and Singapore’s widest range of organic produce.
Wine, beer and spirits
Fresh sushi and fresh bakery
Delicatessen and fresh produce area
You will love this store from the moment you step in. Fresh flowers greet you at the entrance, accompanied by vibrant displays of colorful fruits and vegetables.
For added convenience, the “meals-to-go” section offers ready-to-eat options for those on the go. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Tanamera Indonesia coffee bar, where you can enjoy premium coffee, refreshing drinks, and delicious food while shopping.
Kitchen on the go area
Tanamera coffee shop
CSFresh also prioritizes customer convenience with features such as free delivery for minimum orders, clear signage guiding you to counters, and self-checkout stations—an innovation worth considering in the Philippines to reduce long supermarket lines.
One more thing we like about this store is their e-waste collection bins, encouraging customers to recycle and be rewarded. You can recycle household batteries and bulbs here. Additionally, they have a Foodbank at the entrance, where customers can drop off food donations to support vulnerable families during challenging times.
Self check-out | free home delivery signage | recycle bin | Foodbank
The ambiance, look, and feel of this store make shopping a delightful experience. It’s a place you’ll not only shop at but also enjoy visiting time and again.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
The RetailWise Team recently visited Singapore, diving into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’re spotlighting standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First, we showcased FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity. Next up : Scoop Wholefoods Singapore—a collaboration between Singapore’s retail powerhouses, Gill Capital and Sydney-based Scoop Wholefoods Australia.
This store is a haven for health-conscious shoppers, offering a wide array of organic, sustainable products and a zero-waste shopping experience.
We visited the flagship location at Great World, a 9,000 sq. ft. space thoughtfully designed for eco-minded shoppers.
Tea area
The store features bulk wholefoods, a Beauty & Bath chamber, an in-house Glass Box Bakery, and even a Kombucha Bar.
Glassbox bakery
With over 2,000 products—around 80% certified Australian organic and environmentally responsible—Scoop WholeFoods embodies a commitment to sustainable, wholesome living.
Scoop Whole Beauty
Sustainable homewares
What’s especially notable is the cozy bench area where shoppers can relax, read a book, and recharge.
The raw honey section is another beautiful highlight, adding to the store’s aesthetic appeal and dedication to eco-friendly advocacy.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
RetailWise Team has recently visited Singapore, and we’re thrilled to dive into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’ll be showcasing standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First up: FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity
With an impressive 90,000 sq ft of retail space, including Unity Pharmacy on the second floor, this is the largest Fairprice store in Singapore.
What makes this store even more remarkable is that customers are greeted by a vibrant, expansive display of fresh fruits and vegetables, setting the tone with a burst of color and freshness right at the store entrance. Every visitor will find freshly delivered produce daily. They offer hydroponically grown vegetables harvested on-site, bringing farm-to-table right into the heart of the store!
The unique experiences don’t end there. Fairprice Xtra has a dining area at the core of the store, featuring zones like ‘Pick, Prep, Enjoy,’ and ‘The Kitchen,’ offering ready-to-eat meals, a dedicated sushi and sashimi area, cold cuts, pre-cut fruits, and an on-demand grill where you can select seafood or meat and have them prepared just the way you like. During our visit, we indulged in the ‘Oyster and Wine Night,’ enjoying fresh French oysters paired perfectly with wine.
The store’s layout is well-designed, with a spacious seafood section featuring farmed fish, live Dungeness crabs, and a variety of shellfish. The butchery area boasts premium selections, including grass-fed and grain-fed beef from Australia and New Zealand, catering to quality-conscious shoppers.
Fairprice Xtra also caters a have a beautiful bakery area with a wide selection of breads and pastries, a cozy café with seating area, dairy, and chilled sections. Fairprice Xtra truly is a one-stop shopping experience.
The second floor expands offerings with International and Local favorites, Sports & Leisure, Travel Essentials, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics, Home & Living, Mums & Kids, Pet Care, and Wines, Beer & Spirits.
This hypermarket exemplifies retail excellence, remaining fully stocked and organized even late into the evening, with self-service stations for weighing fruits and quick checkouts. Opened in 2019, this store is built around customer convenience and sustainability. Shoppers can have food prepped for easy home cooking, buy loose quantities of grains and nuts, and explore over 35,000 products, including 350+ local brands. A dedicated corner supports local enterprises, reinforcing FairPrice’s commitment to sustainability and customer-focused innovation. Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
