R. Hirschmann
Research expert covering Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia
Fast food industry in Singapore - statistics & facts
Fast food chains are ubiquitous in Singapore’s competitive food and beverage (F&B) landscape, catering to the busy and hectic Singaporean lifestyle. The diverse mix of global, Asian, and local fast-food chains reflects the cosmopolitan tastes of the population. Consumers can find a range of choices, from premium fast-food chains such as Five Guys and Shake Shack to budget-friendly staples such as McDonald’s. Quick-service restaurants in Singapore, therefore, operate in a highly saturated food and beverages landscape, competing not only with other fast-food chains but also with comparably priced local hawker centers and food courts.
Despite the promising margins, fast-food outlets and quick-service restaurants face the same challenges as other F&B establishments. The increase in prices of goods and materials brought about by inflation have resulted in rising operating costs. Quick-service restaurants also face staffing issues, as employment in the fast food sector is often low-paying. One solution implemented by many fast-food outlets was the introduction of self-ordering kiosks, reducing the number of service staff needed.
A sign that the industry has rebounded from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more newly opened fast food outlets than those that ceased operations in 2023, the first time since 2020. However, whether this trend would carry on to 2024 is to be seen, as fast food retail sales in Singapore decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Despite operating in a highly competitive food service industry, the fast food sector in Singapore still has room for more operators. With the right strategy, newcomers to the scene can carve out a slice of the pie for themselves in Singapore’s cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic society hungry for the latest food trends.
Challenges facing the fast food sector in Singapore
Singapore’s food and beverage services sector is a billion-dollar industry. While fast food outlets comprised around five percent of all food establishments in Singapore, they contributed around 15 percent to Singapore’s total food service operating revenue. The quick-service restaurant business model, with limited table service and high table turnover, means that fast-food restaurants can keep their operating expenses low compared to full-service restaurants. This ensures that fast food chains have a high per-square-meter operating revenue.Despite the promising margins, fast-food outlets and quick-service restaurants face the same challenges as other F&B establishments. The increase in prices of goods and materials brought about by inflation have resulted in rising operating costs. Quick-service restaurants also face staffing issues, as employment in the fast food sector is often low-paying. One solution implemented by many fast-food outlets was the introduction of self-ordering kiosks, reducing the number of service staff needed.
Quick, tasty, and easy on the wallet – why Singaporeans love fast-food
For many Singaporeans, fast food is a regular part of their diets due to convenience, widespread availability, and affordability. The Singaporean consumer is also spoilt for choice when it comes to variety in their fast-food options, which include popular food trends such as Korean fried chicken, Japanese fast food, as well as Western-style burgers and fries. Global chains such as McDonald’s also actively cater to local palettes by introducing special items to coincide with local holidays, such as the Prosperity Burger, in conjunction with the Lunar New Year. The limited availability of these special items not only entices customers to try these foods but also creates hype around these fast-food brands for the duration of the promotion.A sign that the industry has rebounded from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more newly opened fast food outlets than those that ceased operations in 2023, the first time since 2020. However, whether this trend would carry on to 2024 is to be seen, as fast food retail sales in Singapore decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Despite operating in a highly competitive food service industry, the fast food sector in Singapore still has room for more operators. With the right strategy, newcomers to the scene can carve out a slice of the pie for themselves in Singapore’s cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic society hungry for the latest food trends.
