Importing Dutch Groceries

Discuss your views about Singapore business & economy, current policies & issues, starting a business in Singapore.
Post Reply
Ivy Lim
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47 am
Location: Singapore

Importing Dutch Groceries

Post by Ivy Lim » Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00 am

Hi

I am thinking to import Dutch groceries to Singapore but I am not sure if this is workable. Aware that Singapore is currently negotiate the free trade agreement with EU, thinking this might help to get rid of tax. However, not sure if the market segment is wide enough for me to start this business. Any advise?

Thank you.

User avatar
sundaymorningstaple
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 39994
Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
Answers: 11
Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot

Post by sundaymorningstaple » Tue, 15 May 2012 11:08 am

Already got Tulip ham, what.
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

Ivy Lim
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47 am
Location: Singapore

Post by Ivy Lim » Tue, 15 May 2012 11:20 am

The only market is located in Bukit Timah - German Market, I didn't see any Dutch Market in Singapore. Thanks.

x9200
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 9988
Joined: Mon, 07 Sep 2009 4:06 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by x9200 » Tue, 15 May 2012 3:57 pm

The tricky part is that although the German grocery is called German it fits to the tastes of many European or Western customers while Dutch Grocery would be more narrow for the product choice and more specific or the goods are already here. What would you like to import? Stroopwaffles? Cheese? Both available in SG. Salty licorices? Rather specific. Even if the Dutch population in SG is probably larger than the German it may be not enough to sustain the business.

Ivy Lim
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47 am
Location: Singapore

Post by Ivy Lim » Tue, 15 May 2012 4:05 pm

x9200

Yes, you are pretty right, I checked it out on last weekend and discussed with some of my dutch friends too. They do really miss some foods in Netherland, but the market in fact is too narrow in Singapore. It do has difficulty to sustain the business.

Perhaps, the free trade agreement able to benefit the import products from EU to ASEAN. I am actually still figure out something as I believe this is workable but I do really need more advise, and responses like what you have provided. Grateful :)

x9200
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 9988
Joined: Mon, 07 Sep 2009 4:06 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by x9200 » Tue, 15 May 2012 5:54 pm

If this agreement is only about reducing your costs it may not help. You are probably targeting the upper/upper-middle class segment (majority are expats). The difference in food prices will be negligible unless the price for the products is completely unrealistic. IMO your main concern would be sufficient volume.

Ivy Lim
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47 am
Location: Singapore

Post by Ivy Lim » Tue, 15 May 2012 6:07 pm

x9200

You are great! I got to find out more before start the business. I can't PM yet, actually I have some questions to seek for your advise.

Anyway, really thankful on your advises :) 8-)

x9200
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 9988
Joined: Mon, 07 Sep 2009 4:06 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by x9200 » Tue, 15 May 2012 6:13 pm

Oh no, I am completely not an expert here. Just some thought. Better ask it openly in here for your own benefit and the benefits of the others.

BTW, you can PM as you have more than 5 posts.

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Business in Singapore”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests