Building F&B in Singapore: Challenges, Insights, and Smart Moves
There’s an old saying: Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
For many today—parents, entrepreneurs, investors, and global professionals—it’s more than just a proverb. It’s a quiet strategy for living in uncertain times.
Our Speakers:
- Yuto Nagai
- Head Of Operations :TWDC
- Ray Tay
- Co-Founder : Vivos
- Ivan McAdam O'Connell
- Co-Founder : Vivos
Episode Overview:
Singapore’s food & beverage industry reached approximately US $9.4 billion in sales during 2023, with forecasts projecting growth to US $11.6 billion by 2028. Despite its impressive scale, the sector faces stark challenges: over 3,000 F&B outlets closed in 2024, marking the highest annual closure rate in nearly two decades.
In this roundtable, Ray Tay and Ivan McAdam O’Connell our co-founders are joined by Yuto Nagai, Head of Operations, the Wine distribution and Co. to dissect the true mechanics of launching and scaling a profitable food business in Singapore. They explore the structural pressures of rising rents, labor shortages, regulatory demands, and supply chain volatility.
Grounded in real-world case studies and operational experience, the episode offers entrepreneurs a concrete framework—based on unit economics, scalable systems, and strategic foresight—for turning culinary passion into long-term profit.
Key Takeaways
1. Operational pitfalls are real—and expensive.
From post-COVID wage hikes to high rentals and licensing hurdles, the costs add up quickly. Avoid common mistakes like over-hiring or over-designing your outlet.
2. Scaling without systems = Trouble.
Don’t expand to mask losses. Refine backend processes, stabilize profitability, and ensure your team has bandwidth to manage growth before you consider new outlets.
3. Understand your break-even point before you invest.
VIVOS emphasizes the importance of testing your idea, modeling unit economics, and planning for sustainability—not just launch day excitement.
4. Exit strategy is not an afterthought.
The best time to plan your exit is before you need it. Keeping clean books, building a brand, and retaining key people will protect your valuation and make your business more attractive to buyers.
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