How to start a food and beverage business in Singapore
Embarking on a new food and beverage (F&B) business is an exciting journey, brimming with possibilities for creativity and success. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy café, a trendy food truck, or an upscale dining establishment, the F&B industry offers a plethora of opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. However, launching a successful F&B venture demands careful planning, meticulous attention to detail, and a profound understanding of your target audience. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential steps to help you kickstart your own F&B business, from conceptualizing a unique idea to navigating the legal intricacies and assembling a talented team. With passion and perseverance, you can transform your vision of owning a thriving F&B business into a rewarding reality.
According to National University of Singapore Business School, younger people are getting busier with work and Singaporeans eat out for 78% of their meals
The Food Services Industry in Singapore contributes 0.8% to the national GDP and comprises 4.5% of the nation’s workforce
More than 7200 establishments in 5 sub-industries – restaurants, fast food, cafes, coffee shops, pubs and food caterers
Total sales value of F&B services in March 2018 was estimated at S$716 million, higher than the S$691 million in March 2017
Start Your Own Food and Beverage business in Singapore from $395
Little Red Dot with a Huge Appetite
Singaporeans love their food, and it shows in the vibrant culinary scene that blends local flavors with exotic cuisines. Eating isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a way of life. Tourists and expats are also drawn to this rich food culture, enticed by the variety and affordability. The sight of restaurants and bars, often sprawling across entire streets or floors, is a spectacle in itself.
Thanks to innovative initiatives led by Workforce Singapore (WSG), the F&B industry is evolving. Small and medium-sized eateries are adopting new food processing technologies, digital solutions, and smart marketing to boost productivity and stay competitive. With rising incomes, a steady expat population, and growing tourism, Singapore’s F&B scene is poised for further growth.
Licences and Legal Formalities for Starting an Food And Beverage Business in Singapore
Legal Formalities for ALL F&B Businesses
- Incorporate the company on Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore
- Register as an Employer with Central Provident Fund (CPF)
- Apply for Food Shop Licence from Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
- Enroll employees for the WSQ Food Hygiene Course via SFA
Supplementary Legal Formalities
- Apply for Liquor Licence from Singapore Police Force (SPF), for serving alcohol on premises
- Apply for Public Entertainment Licence from SPF, for providing entertainment on premises
- Apply for Halal Certification from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), for serving food prepared according to Islamic Law
- Apply for Tobacco Retail Licence from Health Sciences Authority (HSA), for selling tobacco on premises
- Apply for Import Permit from Singapore Customs, for importing food or ingredients
- Apply for S Pass from Ministry of Manpower (MOM), for hiring foreign workers
- Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST), for exceeding S$1 million in annual revenue