Singaporean foodservice distributor Premium Distribution has joined forces with a distribution company to open a Myanmar showroom and retail store aimed at the hospitality industry.
Premium and local Myanmar partner Sia Huat have formed a joint venture, S&P Foodservice Distribution, to export international cooking and hospitality equipment to Myanmar. The new company has opened a 10,000 sqft (929 sqm) showroom in Yangon.
“The food and beverage industry in Myanmar is booming,” says S&P GM Miki Ow. “As the industry grows, and hotels and restaurants focus on giving their guests the best dining experience, we expect a strong demand for products that improve operations, food safety and quality.”
There are three sections in the showroom – front of house, including tableware; back of house, including kitchenware; and housekeeping. Products on display are made by more than 300 international kitchen equipment suppliers, with such brands as Arcoroc, Atlantic Chef, Cambro, Cerabon, Giesser, Lacor, Nikko, Safico, Shoes for Crews, Solia, Spiegelau, Studio William and Waring.
“In addition to the 5000 items in our showroom in Yangon, our customers have access to more than 40,000 in Sia Huat Singapore. Products previously difficult or impossible to find in Myanmar are now available, or can be sourced easily,” says Ow.
Premium Distribution MD U Soe Moe Thu says the shop will especially cater to international hotels and restaurants opening in Myanmar.
“Previously, hotels and restaurants had to import everything directly from overseas, but now they can buy everything they need domestically.”
He says Myanmar’s tourism industry has developed quickly over the past few years, with many new hotels and restaurants are opening as a result.
“Our focus is on the hotels, restaurants and catering market. We have estimated the demand and we hope we can provide enough supply.”
Clients already include international hotel franchises such as Novotel, Sedona and Parkroyal, local hotels including Jasmine Palace and Kandawgyi Palace, independent restaurants such as Le Planteur and Sharky’s, and local restaurant chains such as Feel and Ice Berry.
