Could you imagine seeing some of our favourite Singaporean 🇸🇬 dishes such as Chicken Rice 🐔, Chili Crab 🦀 etc. being sold in South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay etc.)?
With Singapore being one of the countries with the fewest trade barriers and being part of a lot of FTAs, we are given the luxury to conduct trading globally with a lot of ease. Singapore, itself, is mainly an import-based company. As we lack natural and mostly essential resources, we can only resort to purchasing them from other countries. We are fortunate to enjoy the blessings of free trade due to the decades-long intense negotiations and friendships formed with other countries by our forefathers 🤝. Otherwise, Singapore would not be what it is today.
After reading the article by The Straits Times, I have several thoughts on it ...
📍 Expansion of F&B Establishments Overseas 🗺
As the food culture in Singapore is very prominent with our hawker culture being inducted into UNESCO, it is no surprise that our cuisine would eventually be spread globally. I fully support this move as having other countries try our cuisine would give them a glimpse of Singapore and put us on the world map as a strong contender in the food scene. Additionally, the exchange of knowledge will involve different chefs having different iterations of our cuisine. Through fusion dishes, we can anticipate many different flavours, textures and fragrances to combine and clash to create something completely new and delectable. This promotes innovation 💡 and strengthens our relationship with different cultures and countries 🤝.
📍 Crickets 🦗, Gaining Popularity Globally 🗺
Previously thought to be unhygienic and distasteful, customers never consume it. Insects would have originally been observed in either extremely high-quality restaurants or rural cuisines. However, in recent years with the advancement of technology, insects, especially crickets have been observed as an ingredient with a high percentage of protein compared to other foods. Although the practice of eating crickets whole is still not widespread, food science companies such as JR Unique Foods Ltd., Part have been developing cricket powder which acts as a protein powder. Compared to traditional protein powder, cricket powder has more protein per unit mass. Such a trend has been gaining traction recently and seems to be taking off!
❗️Could you imagine yourself eating crickets 1 day❓️
📍 Plant-Based Meats 🌿
Whenever someone mentions about sustainable food, a common topic discussed is plant-based food or imitation meat. This trend has been ongoing for many years and does not seem to be slowing down. I, however, do not agree with this trend. From an ethical point of view, making vegetarian food taste and seem like meat seems to go against the beliefs and reason of why they were created. Personally, as a chef, we should innovate 💡, and find unique ways in using vegetables, rather than imitate or replicate.
Appetite for expansion.
#Singapore’s unique food offerings and extensive free trade agreements has seen our food exports grow at a rate of over 11% each year since 2020.
From #startups like Altimate Nutrition planning their first foray into Britain, to industry leaders Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd exporting to over 80 countries worldwide, businesses are tapping opportunities overseas to #KeepGrowing.
See how Enterprise Singapore can support your journey: https://go.gov.sg/6zqv4o
![More Singapore F&B businesses expanding overseas]()
More Singapore F&B businesses expanding overseas
straitstimes.com
Sustainable Change Agent | Project Management | Transforming Food Systems | Food Waste reduction expert | Experienced in the Food, Travel & Hospitality industries | Crafting green solutions & initiatives | BoD at FEBA
3moCogratulations! Great job!