Singapore's appetite for global flavours has never been stronger and now, there's a new way to satisfy it. McGrocer, a UK-based grocery delivery platform, has officially launched its service in Singapore, giving locals access to a wide range of British pantry items and household goods, delivered straight from the UK to their doorstep.
Whether it's a specific kind of tea, a biscuit brand from childhood, or personal care products that rarely show up in local stores, McGrocer helps make those products easier to find. For British expats and Singaporeans alike, the service offers a more direct option, without having to rely on boutique shops or imported items with inflated prices.
"We saw a steady rise in orders from Singapore even before we started promoting the service here," said a McGrocer spokesperson. "Some shoppers are from the UK. Others just know the brands and like them. We wanted to make the process smoother."
Here's how it works: customers can go to McGrocer's website and shop across big-name UK stores like Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, and Boots. All the items are picked and packed in the UK, then shipped to Singapore using carriers like DHL and UPS. Orders are trackable, and most arrive within a few days.
McGrocer does not have fresh or frozen groceries. Instead, it's about products with some staying power dry foods, snacks, toiletries, pet products and other staples. The smaller, shelf-stable catalogue helps maintain deliveries throughout the year, even when shipping delays or product shortages occur in other parts of the supply chain.
And while this isn't McGrocer's first time serving customers outside of the UK, Singapore felt like a natural next step. The city's blend of cultures and fondness for imported goods fit the company's slower but steady approach.
British groceries have long made their way to Singapore mostly via high-end supermarkets or small specialty shops but variety is limited, and prices can differ. McGrocer's direct shipping bypasses the middle layers, offering customers more variety with fewer surprises at checkout.
"Our model is simple one cart, one delivery fee, no extra charges," the spokesperson said. "People here care about being clear and efficient. That's what we try to offer."
Unlike shopping platforms that run sales or promotions every other day, McGrocer takes a quieter approach. It depends more on regular service and word of mouth than on big marketing pushes. Many of its customers are repeat shoppers who already know what they want.
For people living in areas like Bukit Timah, Jurong, or Orchard, the service gives access to trusted UK brands without needing to leave home or guess which store might stock them this week. The range includes everything from teas and breakfast staples to skin creams and gluten-free snacks.
Right now, McGrocer hasn't said if it plans to set up a warehouse in Singapore. All deliveries are still sent from the UK. But the team says they're open to working with local partners if orders keep growing.
This careful rollout matches how McGrocer works in other countries, too. It doesn't rush or try to make a splash. Instead, it builds slowly by offering what people want, when they want it, and making sure it gets there in good shape.
And in a time when shoppers are thinking more about where their products come from, how much they cost, and whether they'll actually arrive, having one more reliable option can make a big difference.
For more information, visit www.mcgrocer.com
