SATS Ltd aims for China's ready-to-eat market

SATS Ltd, a provider of food solutions and gateway services strengthened its presence in China, with the opening of a 21,553.13 square metre central kitchen in Tianjin (14 April). This as the firm cited Mintel report retails sales of frozen and chilled ready meals in China to grow ¥243.8 billion (approximately US$35.4 billion or S$47.0 billion) in 2022, with an accelerated growth of 12.8% from 9.5% in 2021.

Singapore-based SATS Ltd opens central kitchen in Tianjin, China. 

SATS has built its reputation over the last 50 years, with customers ranging from leading air carriers, supermarkets, quick service restaurants and coffee chains to institutions such as corporates and schools. Under its "twin-engine" growth strategy, the Singapore-headquartered company is committed to strengthening its competencies on home soil and replicating them overseas as it expands globally. This includes China, where SATS has been operating for the last 30 years including in the food space, supported by central kitchens in Beijing, Kunshan and Nanjing as well as a product development and experience centre in Shanghai – all connected to the company's network of capabilities including the SATS Global Innovation Hub and upcoming SATS Food Hub.

The ¥219 million (about USD31.83 million or SD42.23 million) investment in the latest central kitchen in Tianjin is a move to adapt to customers' evolving needs, by deploying the latest automation and technology as well as harnessing SATS' high food safety standards, international culinary expertise, and domain knowledge in food technology and research and development. The facility is strategically located between Beijing and Tianjin, enabling SATS to offer a wide variety of high quality meals to customers not just in the northern region but also the rest of China and beyond.

Kerry Mok, President and Chief Executive Officer of SATS Ltd. said, "Throughout our 50 years feeding and connecting communities, SATS has built a reputation for our quality and safety standards. On the food solutions front, our meals are always prepared in compliance with the most stringent safety regulations, and we are constantly on the lookout for technological innovations to help increase productivity and improve food quality. Through the SATS Tianjin central kitchen, we hope to leverage our know-how and capabilities to bring authentic global flavours to the Chinese communities."

[1] Mintel Reports China, Ready Meals, 2022.