Discover the top food distributors in the South East Asia that can help you launch and sell your brand
This comprehensive guide provides expert insights about the top distributors in the industry, their strengths, and specializations, realized by asia Distribution pro.
- AEON (Japan) – Operates in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
- Big C (Thailand) – Presence in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
- Lotus’s (formerly Tesco) – Active in Thailand and Malaysia.
- Lotte Mart (South Korea) – Stores in Indonesia and Vietnam.
- NTUC FairPrice (Singapore) – Singapore’s largest supermarket chain.
- Giant – Operates in Malaysia and Singapore.
- Cold Storage – High-end supermarket in Singapore and Malaysia.
- Sheng Siong – Singapore-based chain with a focus on affordability.
- Mydin – Malaysian chain known for wholesale and retail.
- Econsave – Budget-friendly supermarket in Malaysia.
- S&R Membership Shopping – Warehouse club in the Philippines.
- SM Markets – Includes SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket in the Philippines.
- Puregold – One of the largest supermarket chains in the Philippines.
- Robinsons Supermarket – Philippine chain under Robinsons Retail Holdings.
- Rustan’s Supermarket – Premium supermarket in the Philippines.
- Hero Supermarket – Indonesian chain under DFI Retail Group.
- Super Indo – Joint venture between Indonesia’s Salim Group and Ahold Delhaize.
- Alfamart – Indonesian convenience store chain expanding in the region.
- Indomaret – One of Indonesia’s largest minimarket chains.
- Circle K – Convenience store chain with presence in Vietnam and Indonesia.
- 7-Eleven – Operates in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
- Makro – Wholesale chain in Thailand and Cambodia.
- MaxValu – Japanese chain under AEON, present in Thailand and Malaysia.
- VinMart – Vietnamese chain rebranded as WinMart.
- Co.opmart – Vietnam’s leading supermarket chain.
- B’s Mart – Convenience store chain in Vietnam.
- Lucky Supermarket – Cambodia’s prominent supermarket chain.
- Lucky Plaza – Retail center in Singapore with various supermarkets.
- ParknShop – Hong Kong-based chain with presence in Macau and China.
- FamilyMart – Japanese convenience store chain operating in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Here’s a detailed overview of the first 10 supermarket chains in Southeast Asia, including their origin, operations, specialties, country strengths, and recent trends. Let’s dive in:
🛒 1. AEON (Japan)
📍 Countries Active: Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia
🏢 HQ: Chiba, Japan
🕰️ Founded: 1758 (as a family business), modern AEON Group since 1926
🌟 Specificities:
- Operates AEON Mall, AEON Supermarkets, and AEON MaxValu.
- Known for clean, well-organized stores and mid-to-premium offerings.
- Strong focus on Japanese-imported goods, fresh food, and private-label products.
📊 Trends:
- Aggressively expanding digital services (AEON Online).
- AEON Malaysia is pioneering cashierless checkout zones and loyalty apps.
- Vietnam is a major growth market — AEON is one of the largest Japanese investors in Vietnam.
🔥 Country Strength: Malaysia, followed by Vietnam
🛒 2. Big C (Thailand)
📍 Countries Active: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos
🏢 HQ: Bangkok, Thailand
🕰️ Founded: 1993
🌟 Specificities:
- Owned by Thai conglomerate Central Group.
- Operates Big C Supercenter (hypermarkets), Mini Big C, and Big C Market.
- Known for low prices, local produce, and non-food variety (like electronics).
📊 Trends:
- Integrating e-commerce and in-store shopping (Click & Collect, delivery apps).
- Big C Vietnam undergoing rebranding and expansion after acquiring Cora/Carrefour stores.
- Digital loyalty programs and in-house brands like Wow! are gaining popularity.
🔥 Country Strength: Thailand, growing fast in Vietnam
🛒 3. Lotus’s (formerly Tesco Lotus)
📍 Countries Active: Thailand, Malaysia
🏢 HQ: Bangkok, Thailand
🕰️ Founded: 1994 (as Tesco Lotus)
🌟 Specificities:
- Rebranded from Tesco Lotus to Lotus’s after acquisition by CP Group.
- Offers affordable groceries, fashion, electronics, and loyalty perks.
- Large format stores + express stores in urban areas.
📊 Trends:
- Heavy investment in digital transformation: mobile app, online delivery, and personal deals.
- Partnerships with Grab and LINE MAN for delivery.
- New branding aims to feel more local and lifestyle-driven.
🔥 Country Strength: Thailand, re-entering Malaysia market
🛒 4. Lotte Mart (South Korea)
📍 Countries Active: Vietnam, Indonesia
🏢 HQ: Seoul, South Korea
🕰️ Founded: 1998
🌟 Specificities:
- Operated by Lotte Group, one of Korea’s largest conglomerates.
- Brings Korean lifestyle and groceries to Southeast Asia.
- Known for clean presentation, value-for-money imports, and K-beauty/fashion sections.
📊 Trends:
- In Vietnam, Lotte Mart offers both hypermarket and online ordering.
- Indonesian operations focus on Korean wave trends, especially among youth.
- Building mixed-use complexes with retail + apartments in urban Vietnam.
🔥 Country Strength: Vietnam, strong in Jakarta (Indonesia)
🛒 5. NTUC FairPrice (Singapore)
📍 Countries Active: Singapore
🏢 HQ: Singapore
🕰️ Founded: 1973
🌟 Specificities:
- Owned by the National Trades Union Congress.
- The largest and most trusted supermarket chain in Singapore.
- Operates FairPrice, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, and FairPrice Online.
📊 Trends:
- Expanding Finest stores focused on premium and health-conscious consumers.
- Introduced robot deliveries, self-checkouts, and app-based loyalty programs.
- Integrating sustainable products, plastic reduction, and food donation initiatives.
🔥 Country Strength: Singapore only, but with significant dominance.
🛒 6. Giant
📍 Countries Active: Malaysia, Singapore (exit in 2021)
🏢 HQ: Malaysia (Dairy Farm Group)
🕰️ Founded: 1944
🌟 Specificities:
- Once a dominant supermarket in Singapore, now focused on rebuilding in Malaysia.
- Budget positioning, large-format stores, and simple merchandising.
📊 Trends:
- Relaunched in 2021 with new branding and lower everyday pricing strategy.
- Introducing more local produce and private label lines to win back market share.
🔥 Country Strength: Malaysia
7. Cold Storage
📍 Countries Active: Singapore, Malaysia
🏢 HQ: Singapore (under DFI Retail Group)
🕰️ Founded: 1903
🌟 Specificities:
- Premium supermarket known for imported goods, international wines, and organic produce.
- Located in affluent or expat-frequented areas.
📊 Trends:
- Leaning into eco-conscious packaging, health foods, and gourmet groceries.
- Targeting urban professionals and expats with exclusive product ranges.
🔥 Country Strength: Singapore, niche in Malaysia
🛒 8. Sheng Siong
📍 Countries Active: Singapore
🏢 HQ: Singapore
🕰️ Founded: 1985
🌟 Specificities:
- Mid-market chain with a value-for-money reputation.
- Serves mainly heartland (suburban) communities.
- Known for wet market-style produce, Chinese New Year deals, and live seafood.
📊 Trends:
- Expanding with digital loyalty, e-commerce via Sheng Siong Online.
- Heavily localized promotions and outreach during holidays and festivals.
🔥 Country Strength: Singapore only, but expanding reach steadily
🛒 9. Mydin
📍 Countries Active: Malaysia
🏢 HQ: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
🕰️ Founded: 1957
🌟 Specificities:
- One of Malaysia’s largest homegrown retail chains.
- Focus on halal-certified, affordable goods with wholesale-style pricing.
- Operates Mydin Hypermarket, Mydin Emporium, and Mydin Mart.
📊 Trends:
- Mydin Go app for in-store scanning and mobile checkout.
- Expanding into private label halal frozen goods and school supplies.
🔥 Country Strength: Malaysia, strong in suburban and rural areas
🛒 10. Econsave
📍 Countries Active: Malaysia
🏢 HQ: Selangor, Malaysia
🕰️ Founded: 1955
🌟 Specificities:
- Local chain known for ultra-low prices, community location, and wide reach.
- Strong focus on bulk goods and family staples.
📊 Trends:
- Popular during economic downturns due to cost focus.
- Launching more in-house brands and regional-specific products.
🔥 Country Strength: Malaysia
🛒 11. S&R Membership Shopping
📍 Country: Philippines
🏢 HQ: Taguig, Philippines (under Puregold Price Club Inc.)
🕰️ Founded: 2001
🌟 Specificities:
- Membership-based warehouse chain, inspired by Costco/Sam’s Club model.
- Known for bulk sizes, imported goods (especially U.S. brands), and in-store pizza/bakery counters.
📊 Trends:
- Fast growth among middle to upper-income Filipino families.
- Emphasis on American products, seasonal sales, and large household shopping.
- Growth in online ordering for members and app-based rewards.
🔥 Country Strength: Philippines, especially urban areas
🛒 12. SM Markets
📍 Country: Philippines
🏢 HQ: Pasay, Philippines (SM Retail/SM Group)
🕰️ Founded: 1985 (supermarket division)
🌟 Specificities:
- Includes SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore.
- One of the largest retail networks in the Philippines.
- SM Malls often integrate SM Markets as their anchor grocer.
📊 Trends:
- Heavy investment in SM Malls Online, enabling groceries via app and delivery.
- Introducing more private labels and regional product selections.
- Growth in e-wallet integration (GCash, Maya) and loyalty programs.
🔥 Country Strength: Nationwide in the Philippines
🛒 13. Puregold
📍 Country: Philippines
🏢 HQ: Manila, Philippines
🕰️ Founded: 1998
🌟 Specificities:
- Serves resellers, sari-sari stores, and budget-conscious consumers.
- Known for its Puregold Mobile App, which allows price checking, orders, and promos.
- Introduced Tindahan ni Aling Puring, a program that supports local resellers.
📊 Trends:
- Major role in serving lower-income and bulk buyers.
- Growing their Puregold Channel on YouTube, blending shopping with entertainment.
- Expanding into smaller formats in underserved barangays.
🔥 Country Strength: Philippines, dominant in wholesale-style retail
🛒 14. Robinsons Supermarket
📍 Country: Philippines
🏢 HQ: Pasig, Philippines
🕰️ Founded: 1985 (part of Robinsons Retail Holdings)
🌟 Specificities:
- Mid-to-upper market grocery with a focus on health, wellness, and lifestyle.
- Operates Robinsons Selections and The Marketplace for upscale segments.
📊 Trends:
- Leading initiatives in green retailing, wellness product labeling, and “Shop Smart” campaigns.
- Rolling out online ordering through GoRobinsons.ph.
- Integrated with Robinsons Rewards app and Grab delivery.
🔥 Country Strength: Urban Philippines, especially Metro Manila
🛒 15. Rustan’s Supermarket (now under The Marketplace)
📍 Country: Philippines
🏢 HQ: Manila, Philippines
🕰️ Founded: 1970s (now part of Robinsons Retail Holdings)
🌟 Specificities:
- Formerly the most premium grocery in the country.
- Now rebranded as The Marketplace — catering to expats, diplomats, and affluent locals.
📊 Trends:
- Heavy focus on imported gourmet food, wine, deli, and organics.
- Select locations offer concierge-like services, curated selections, and specialty coffee corners.
🔥 Country Strength: Affluent areas in Metro Manila and Cebu
🛒 16. Hero Supermarket
📍 Country: Indonesia
🏢 HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia (under DFI Retail Group – Dairy Farm)
🕰️ Founded: 1971
🌟 Specificities:
- One of Indonesia’s oldest and most recognized supermarket chains.
- Previously a hypermarket, now refocused on upscale grocery under the “Hero” and “Guardian” brands.
📊 Trends:
- Downsizing large stores to focus on premium urban groceries.
- Transitioning from mass retail to niche, lifestyle-focused food retailing.
- Selling off Giant stores and emphasizing health/wellness partnerships.
🔥 Country Strength: Jakarta and large Indonesian cities
🛒 17. Super Indo
📍 Country: Indonesia
🏢 HQ: Jakarta (Joint Venture between Ahold Delhaize & Salim Group)
🕰️ Founded: 1997
🌟 Specificities:
- Focuses on affordable, healthy, and fresh food for Indonesian families.
- Emphasizes local produce, neighborhood convenience, and reliable pricing.
📊 Trends:
- Growth in eco-initiatives (no plastic, food waste reduction).
- Operating Super Indo Express — smaller stores for urban fast shopping.
- Investing in loyalty programs, mobile apps, and nutritional education.
🔥 Country Strength: Java and Sumatra, over 200+ stores
🛒 18. Alfamart
📍 Country: Indonesia, with expansion to the Philippines
🏢 HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia
🕰️ Founded: 1999
🌟 Specificities:
- One of the largest minimart chains in Indonesia with over 17,000+ stores.
- Positioned for daily essentials, snacks, toiletries, and mobile load.
📊 Trends:
- Pioneering digital payment integration (OVO, GoPay).
- Expanding franchise model in the Philippines.
- Introducing “Alfamind” — a virtual store concept powered by AR.
🔥 Country Strength: Indonesia, aggressive growth in Philippines
🛒 19. Indomaret
📍 Country: Indonesia
🏢 HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia
🕰️ Founded: 1988
🌟 Specificities:
- Rival of Alfamart, with 18,000+ outlets, focusing on affordability and reach.
- Offers food, drinks, mobile top-up, even train tickets.
📊 Trends:
- Leading in in-store digital displays and promotions.
- Expanded Indomaret Point (coffee, snacks, charging zones) for youth appeal.
- Active in CSR and environmental initiatives.
🔥 Country Strength: Indonesia, deeply rooted in all regions
🛒 20. Circle K
📍 Countries Active: Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia
🏢 HQ: U.S.-based (Alimentation Couche-Tard)
🕰️ Founded: 1951 (U.S.), 2008 in Southeast Asia
🌟 Specificities:
- Convenience store chain targeting urban youth, students, and expats.
- Sells snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and often operates 24/7.
📊 Trends:
- Popular for late-night convenience, especially in Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Focused on grab-and-go lifestyle, urban café concepts, and limited seasonal food drops.
- Launching Circle K app in SE Asia for loyalty and payment.
