Singapore’s catering industry is gaining serious traction — and it’s not hard to see why. As of Q2 2025, food caterers saw a 17.8% year-on-year jump in sales. That growth stands in sharp contrast to a 6% dip in restaurant revenue, as more consumers and businesses opt for catered meals over traditional dine-ins.
From corporate functions to smaller-scale celebrations and recurring office lunches, demand for reliable catering services continues to rise. For food entrepreneurs looking to break into the market, the opportunity is real, but so is the need to build an efficient, scalable operation. Here’s how to launch a catering business that meets Singapore’s fast-paced food landscape head-on.
1. Identify Your Catering Focus
Start by clarifying what kind of catering you want to offer and who you want to serve. The format and audience you choose will influence your kitchen setup, packaging, staffing, and pricing model. Some operators focus on recurring bento deliveries to corporate clients, while others specialise in drop-off buffets for events, wellness-focused meals, or halal-certified services.
You don’t need to serve everyone from day one, but you do need a clear offering. Being specific about your niche makes it easier to refine your operations and build a reputation in that segment.
2. Secure the Right Licences
Running a catering business in Singapore requires specific licences depending on your operating model. If you’re preparing and selling ready-to-eat meals directly to customers, you’ll need a Food Shop Licence. For batch food production or if you’re supplying to multiple outlets, the Food Processing Establishment Licence is more appropriate.
You must also comply with hygiene standards under the Environmental Public Health Act. In some setups, a certified Food Hygiene Officer will be required. Licence types vary in their requirements, so be sure to know which one fits your business from day one.
3. Develop a Clear Business Plan and Budget
Scalability starts with structure. A solid business plan helps clarify your goals, streamline logistics, and prepare for growth. At a minimum, your plan should include:
- Service model (e.g. corporate vs. residential clients)
- Sales channels and order fulfilment process
- Marketing approach (digital ads, referrals, aggregator listings)
- Pricing tiers and profit targets
Budgeting is equally important. Monthly expenses typically include kitchen rental, platform fees from FoodLine or Grab, packaging, and transport. Having a clear grasp of these fixed and variable costs helps keep your margins sustainable as you grow.
4. Choose a Scalable Kitchen Model
Your kitchen setup can either accelerate or limit your growth. While home-based prep might work for small, custom orders, businesses aiming to scale need a licensed commercial space that meets food safety and operational standards.
To make this process far easier, Smart City Kitchens offers central processing kitchens designed for caterers and cloud kitchen operators. Our facilities come fully licensed, fitted with dry and cold storage, and located in high-demand delivery zones, allowing you to serve more customers without the burden of fitting out your own premises.
5. Build a Menu That Works for Delivery
Menu planning in catering goes beyond what looks or tastes good. You need food items that are cost-effective to prepare in batches, easy to portion, and maintain their integrity during transport. In Singapore’s climate, insulation and packaging play a key role in product quality.
Consider dietary preferences and restrictions as well. Many clients expect vegetarian, halal, or wellness-friendly options. Offering tiered packages — such as standard, premium, and custom menus — lets you cater to different budgets and event types without overcomplicating your operations.
6. Set Up Sales Channels and Build Visibility
Getting noticed is as important as getting the food right. Start with a clean, mobile-friendly landing page that includes menus, visuals, and contact options. From there, build a presence on aggregator platforms to reach corporate clients and event planners.
Social media is also a powerful tool in Singapore’s food scene. Regular posts on Instagram or TikTok can drive awareness and establish your brand visually. Word-of-mouth and referrals carry weight, so encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews or recommend your services to others.
Bring Your Catering Vision to Life in Singapore
Success in catering depends not only on great food, but on your ability to produce, package, and deliver consistently, especially at scale. Singapore’s market rewards operators who move efficiently, maintain high hygiene standards, and meet the evolving needs of both corporate and private clients. Whether you’re catering for one event or handling dozens of orders a week, your infrastructure matters.That’s where Smart City Kitchens comes in. Our central processing kitchens are designed for growth, with ready-to-use spaces that are food safety-compliant, cost-efficient, and optimised for high-volume delivery. With flexible leasing terms, strategic locations, and built-in operational support, we give catering businesses the tools to scale confidently without the traditional overheads of a full-service restaurant.