Singapore F&B Insights
Overview Headwinds Resilience Support & Future

Navigating Turbulence

An interactive exploration of Singapore's Food & Beverage sector (2023-2025+), analyzing challenges, adaptations, and the future outlook amidst a "perfect storm" of costs, labor, and competition.

Executive Summary at a Glance

📉

The Perfect Storm

Escalating costs (inflation, GST, rent), critical manpower crisis, and intense market competition defined 2023-2025.

💡

Resilient Adaptations

Industry responded with digital transformation, innovative workforce strategies, evolving business models (e.g., cloud kitchens), and catering to new consumer demands (sustainability, health).

🤝

Vital Support

Government grants and schemes offered aid, though awareness and accessibility for all businesses remain key considerations.

📈

Future Outlook

Modest growth projected, but persistent challenges require strategic tech integration, workforce agility, and focus on value & sustainability.

F&B Sales (Mar 2025, YoY)

-2.8%

Online Sales (Mar 2025)

24.9%

(of total sales)

Business Closures (2024)

3,047

(Highest since 2005)

Staffing Shortfalls

20-30%

(Reported by businesses)

Explore below or use navigation for deeper insights.

The Perfect Storm: Operational Headwinds

The 2023-early 2025 period posed severe operational challenges. This section dissects pressures from sector performance, rising costs, manpower shortages, and intense competition.

Sector Performance Amidst Economic Realities

Despite broader economic resilience, the F&B sector saw volatility. Q2 2023 growth (+5.7% YoY) contrasted with early 2025 declines (e.g., -2.8% YoY, Mar 2025). Online sales consistently rose, indicating a permanent shift in consumer behavior.

F&B Services Sales (YoY Change)

Source: Report Table 1 (Feb & Mar 2025 data)

Online Sales Proportion of Total F&B Sales

Source: Report Table 1 (Feb 2024, Feb & Mar 2025 data)

F&B Sub-Sector Sales Performance (YoY Change, March 2025)

Source: Report Table 1

The Unyielding Pressure of Rising Operational Costs

Relentless operational cost increases significantly eroded profit margins, driven by inflation, GST hikes, high rental/utility prices, and volatile ingredient sourcing.

Inflation Trends (Singapore)

Source: Report Table 2 (Headline & Food Inflation 2023-Apr 2025)

Primary Drivers of Business Cost Increase

Source: SBF National Business Survey 2023/2024 (Report Section II.B.1)

📈 GST Hikes

Increased to 8% (Jan 2023), then 9% (Jan 2024), amplifying consumer price sensitivity.

🏠 Rental Costs

Prime F&B rental reversions >+5% expected 2025. Orchard: S$23.20 psf (Q4 2024, +2.3% YoY).

💡 Utility Costs

Commercial electricity tariff fluctuations (e.g., +4.3% Q1 2024). 56% cited electricity as key cost driver.

🌾 Ingredient & Supply Chain

>90% food imported, vulnerable to global disruptions. Supplier pass-through cited by 58%. Cooking oil (Dec 2024): SGD 6.370/2kg.

Local producers also faced higher costs. Restaurant food +3.8% (2024), Hawker food +4.4%.

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The Critical Manpower Equation

Persistent labor shortages, high attrition, rising wage expectations, and evolving foreign talent policies created a critical manpower challenge.

Reported Staffing Shortfalls

20-30%

Significant shortages for chefs & service staff despite salary hikes.

Newly Created F&B Positions

Proportion in F&B. Source: MOM Job Vacancies 2024 Report.

💸 Wage Dynamics

Salaries +25-30% to attract locals. PWM (Quick Service, Mar 2023): SGD 1,750. PWCS co-funds 40% (2025, up to $3k wage).

🌍 S Pass Policies

Min. salary SGD 3,300 (Sep 2023), further hikes Sep 2025. Impacts mid-level foreign talent costs.

🔧 Work Permit Policies (mid-2025)

No max employment period. "Cooks" on NTS list (min. SGD 2k salary, 8% sub-DRC).

Intensifying Competition and Market Dynamics

A crowded marketplace, new international entrants (esp. from China), and high business churn characterized the competitive landscape.

F&B Business Openings vs. Closures

Data for 2023 & 2024. Source: Report Section II.D.2

Market Saturation & Viability

Industry "oversupplied." 2024: 3,047 closures (highest since 2005), 274/month. 3,791 openings (net +744).

BreadTalk, Koufu, RE&S delisted due to underperformance, signaling profitability challenges.

Closure factors: "Overzealous expansion" 2020-21, value-conscious diners, strong SGD.

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Resilience & Adaptation Strategies

Faced with severe headwinds, the F&B industry demonstrated resilience by embracing digital transformation, innovating workforce strategies, evolving business models, and catering to new consumer demands.

Embracing Digital Transformation & Technology

Technology adoption accelerated to streamline operations and mitigate labor costs. AI, digital ordering, and automation are becoming crucial.

AI Adoption Rate (2023)

Source: Report Section III.A

Tech Impact & Support

PSG users: ~50% cost savings/solution (2018-2023). 82% SMEs adopted 1+ digital solution (2023).

RAS "Man & Machine" theme. Digital divide: lower AI adoption in F&B SMEs (1.8%).

Innovative Workforce Strategies

Focus shifted to optimizing work structures, job redesign, upskilling, and flexible staffing to tackle manpower shortages.

🔄 Job Redesign & Upskilling

~40% F&B jobs need redesign. "Job stacking" common. CCPs & WSQ courses support reskilling.

🤸 Flexible Staffing

On-demand part-time worker platforms gaining traction. RAS launched FABJobs portal.

🎯 Focus on Retention

Emphasis on retaining/upskilling existing workforce due to local talent attraction & foreign worker limits.

Evolving Business Models

Businesses are rethinking models, with cloud kitchens, diversified offerings, and stronger online presences becoming prominent.

☁️ Cloud Kitchens

Delivery-only, cost-effective (est. SGD 10k initial). Eliminates high rental & FOH staff costs.

🍽️ Diversified Offerings & Value Focus

Central kitchens for scale. Shift to casual dining & à la carte. Menu/concept innovation vital.

Catering to New Consumer Demands

Sustainability and health-consciousness are now mainstream market drivers, alongside continued culinary innovation.

🌿 Sustainability Focus

65% consumers prefer eco-friendly.

  • AI for waste minimization
  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Regenerative farming
  • Food scrap upcycling
  • Farm-To-Table Programme

❤️ Health-Consciousness

Demand for functional foods, plant-based.

  • Probiotics, superfoods
  • Mindful eating (low-carbon)
  • Plant-based alternatives
  • Nutri-Grade labelling

🍲 Culinary Innovation

Blending traditional & modern, fusion, reviving ingredients. Insect consumption approved (Jul 2024).

Support Mechanisms & Future Outlook

Government initiatives and industry efforts aim to bolster the F&B sector, while the future holds both opportunities and persistent challenges.

Government Assistance and Support Schemes

Various grants target operational needs & development. 83% businesses applied/planned to apply (2024). PSG: >80% projects yielded productivity gains.

Despite high uptake, 17% didn't engage, citing uncertainty, time, or perceived lack of need. MSME accessibility remains a concern.

Future Outlook: Projections and Emerging Opportunities

Modest F&B growth projected (e.g., ~5% services 2025). Driven by evolving consumer behavior (quality over quantity, tourism recovery). Foodservice profit sector CAGR 4% (2024-2029).

F&B Growth Projections

Source: Report Table 5

Key Emerging Opportunities

  • Sustainability & Transparency: 65% prefer eco-friendly. AI for waste, green packaging.
  • Digital Expansion: Cloud kitchens, strong online presence, social media marketing.
  • Health-Conscious Dining: Functional foods, plant-based, mindful eating.
  • Culinary Innovation: Fusion, reviving ingredients, unique experiences.
  • Regional Expansion: Leveraging SG's position in ASEAN.
Anticipating Headwinds & Strategic Imperatives

Profitability to remain under pressure from competition, labor shortages, and high operational costs (rent, ingredients, utilities) becoming structural. F&B outlook Apr-Sep 2025 less favorable due to fewer festivities and external economic concerns.

Strategic Imperatives for Businesses:

  • Deepen technological integration (AI, automation, data analytics).
  • Adopt agile and sustainable workforce models (training, job redesign, flexi-staff).
  • Innovate business models and diversify revenue (cloud kitchens, private labels, niche targeting).
  • Genuinely embrace sustainability and health trends (responsible sourcing, waste reduction).
  • Focus on strong, differentiated value propositions (quality experiences or compelling value).
  • Strengthen supply chain resilience (diversify sources, explore local options).
Policy Considerations for a Vibrant Ecosystem:
  • Enhance accessibility/awareness of support schemes, especially for SMEs.
  • Deepen investment in sector-specific workforce development.
  • Facilitate broader technology adoption for SMEs.
  • Maintain a balanced approach to foreign worker policies.
  • Address structural market concerns (saturation, rental costs) through stakeholder engagement.
Show Policy Considerations

© Singapore F&B Industry Interactive Report. All data indicative.

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Singapore's F&B turmoil

Serenity Shores

Thesis Solution Specifications Financials The Ask Next Steps Conclusion

Redefining Senior Living in Sri Lanka

An opportunity to capitalize on an irreversible demographic megatrend with a purpose-built, luxury senior wellness community in Mount Lavinia.

The Investment Thesis

Anchored in the rapid aging of Sri Lanka's population—the fastest in South Asia—creating sustainable, long-term demand for high-quality private care.

Sri Lanka's Aging Population (60+)

1 in 4

Sri Lankans will be over 60 by 2042, a fundamental demographic restructuring.

The Problem

The erosion of traditional multi-generational homes due to smaller families and global migration creates a distinct market gap for professional care, primarily funded by affluent expatriate children.

The Solution: Serenity Shores

A new standard in holistic senior wellness, located in the premier coastal suburb of Mount Lavinia.

Boutique Design

15 exclusive, en-suite private residences in a single-story, accessible layout designed for "aging-in-place".

Holistic Care

Three pillars: Gourmet Nourishment, proactive Well-being programs, and personalized Support.

Prime Location

Mount Lavinia offers prestige, a therapeutic coastal environment, and easy access to a robust healthcare ecosystem.

Robust Business Model

Dual revenue streams from one-time admission fees and stable, recurring monthly fees.

Interior render of a private room at Serenity ShoresInterior render of a common dining area at Serenity ShoresInterior render of a common lounge area at Serenity Shores

Project Specifications

A detailed look at the build dimensions and capital requirements for the project.

Site Plan & Build Dimensions

Site plan map view of Serenity Shores
  • Total Land Area: 45 Perches (12,250 sq ft)
  • Buildable Area (80%): 9,800 sq ft
  • Construction Cost: LKR 25,000 / sq ft
  • Total Rooms: 15 En-Suite Residences
  • Avg. Room Size: ~280 sq ft (26 sq m)

Top-Line Monthly Operational Costs

(At high occupancy)

Category Cost (LKR)
Staffing & Salaries 1,030,000
Utilities 300,000
Food & Provisions 750,000
Medical Supplies 150,000
Insurance, Maintenance & Admin 320,000
Contingency 130,000
Total Monthly OPEX 2,730,000

Revenue Model

A resilient dual-stream model designed for strong upfront cash flow and stable, recurring income.

Revenue Stream Breakdown

Stream Type Description Amount (LKR)
One-Time Admission Fee Per resident, provides significant upfront cash flow. 2,500,000
Recurring Monthly Fees Independent Living: All-inclusive hospitality package. 250,000 / month
Assisted Living (Tier 1): Includes medication management & ADL support. 325,000 / month

Note: Monthly fees are projected to increase by 4% annually to account for inflation.

A Model for Sustainable Growth

Our revised financial model shows a clear path to profitability and demonstrates growing revenue and EBITDA year-on-year.

Revised 5-Year Financial Projections (LKR Millions)

Metric (LKR Millions) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Total Revenue 40.0 48.5 48.6 53.0 55.4
Total OPEX (42.0) (38.0) (39.5) (41.0) (42.5)
EBITDA (2.0) 10.5 9.1 12.0 12.9

The Investment Opportunity

We are seeking capital to fund the development and launch, with 45 perches of prime land contributed as foundational equity.

Total Capital Required

LKR 352M

(Approx. USD $1.17M)

Investment Structure

  • Asset-Backed Security: Investment is secured by a high-value real estate holding.
  • Flexible Terms: Open to either a straightforward Debt financing model or an Equity partnership.
  • Exit Strategy: Strong potential for a profitable exit via strategic sale in 5-7 years.

Allocation of Capital

Phase 2: Scaling Success

An optional re-investment opportunity to compound returns by developing a second, similar 15-room property, commencing in Year 3.

Phase 2 Investment Breakdown

Category Cost (LKR)
Land Acquisition (45 Perches) 200,000,000
Construction & Launch (Phase 1 Cost) 352,000,000
Total Phase 2 Investment 552,000,000

This presents an opportunity for investors to re-invest profits from the now-stable Phase 1 into a high-growth second phase, significantly enhancing the overall portfolio value and exit valuation.

Combined Portfolio EBITDA Growth

De-Risking the Investment & Next Steps

To provide our investors with maximum confidence, we are proactively taking key steps to validate our model, build credibility, and prepare for a successful launch.

Expert Advisory Board

Assembling a board of respected industry leaders in geriatric care, hospitality, and real estate to guide our strategy.

Market Validation

Actively engaging our target market to secure Letters of Intent (LOIs), transforming projections into a tangible pipeline.

Go-to-Market Strategy

Executing a targeted digital marketing campaign and forging referral partnerships with hospitals and clinics.

Due Diligence Readiness

A secure digital data room is prepared with all supporting documents for a swift and transparent process.

The Investment Case

A rare convergence of opportunity, security, and growth.

1. An Inevitable Market: We are not speculating on a future trend; we are building for a demographic certainty. The rapid aging of Sri Lanka's population guarantees a sustainable, long-term, and growing demand for high-quality senior care. This is a market driven by need, not by fad.

2. A Defensible Niche: In a landscape of large, impersonal institutions, Serenity Shores offers a distinct and highly sought-after alternative. Our boutique, hospitality-driven model fills a clear gap at the premium end of the market, targeting a solvent and motivated customer base that values quality above all else. This creates a strong brand with significant pricing power.

3. Asset-Backed Security: Unlike many start-up ventures, this investment is fundamentally secured by a high-value, tangible asset: prime real estate in one of Colombo's most prestigious suburbs. This provides a robust layer of security for invested capital, significantly mitigating downside risk.

4. A Blueprint for Scalable Growth: The initial LKR 352 Million investment is not just for a single property; it is to perfect a proven, efficient, and highly profitable operational model. The optional Phase 2 expansion demonstrates a clear and immediate path to scaling this success, offering investors the opportunity to compound their returns by building a dominant brand in a nascent industry.

Join Us

For a detailed review of the financial model and further discussion, please get in touch.

Contact: invest@serenityshores.lk

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