Food production 'inadequate' for 53% of public: SEC Newgate

The survey tracked sentiments from 1,029 people across the city-state. 

Slightly more than half (53%) of Singaporeans noted local food production activity is "too little" in the city-state, SEC Newgate’s Impact Monitor 2025 showed.

About 34%, meanwhile, believed that there are sufficient production operations; and 10% said there is too much, the survey added.

Beyond food production, respondents also flagged gaps in other areas. A total of 47% of respondents noted lacklustre local manufacturing, and 45% observed meager energy independence.

However, 41% of respondents said there is a sufficient level of local manufacturing activity.

Another 50% of people surveyed believed that there is an appropriate amount of foreign ownership of Singapore-based companies.

The Impact Monitor, which surveyed 1,029 people in Singapore, tracked global communities’ sentiment towards how corporates and governments are responding to environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related challenges.

Market landscape shifts

Food, retail, and hospitality sectors in the city-state should brace for higher compliance costs and tighter documentation as the country’s halal certification system shifts fully online, intensifying scrutiny over how products are sourced, processed, and handled.

Since 1 October 2025, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has replaced physical halal certificates with digital versions featuring QR codes that allow instant verification of validity and approval type.

GS Holdings Limited has acquired local food and beverage importer and distributor Dyspatchr for $1.52m, extending the group’s range of international spirits.

Late last year, DoorDash completed its acquisition of Deliveroo and formally entered the Singapore market, marking a significant expansion of its international footprint.