By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Grab expands with new grocery delivery service, amid regulatory scrutiny
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Internet > Grab expands with new grocery delivery service, amid regulatory scrutiny
Internet

Grab expands with new grocery delivery service, amid regulatory scrutiny

Alfred Siew
Last updated: July 11, 2018 at 12:56 AM
Alfred Siew Published July 11, 2018
3 Min Read
SHARE
Grab chief executive officer Anthony Tan (fourth from left) launches a grocery delivery service on July 10, 2018, to add to the company’s on-demand lineup. PHOTO: Grab website

Grab will be delivering groceries to homes in Southeast Asia this year, as it seeks to expand its lineup of on-demand services amid regulatory scrutiny in the region.

The new GrabFresh service, unveiled on July 10, will offer 100,000 products from more than 50 supermarkets via a partner, HappyFresh. The promise: deliveries in as short as an hour.

The service will be tested this month in Jakarta, followed by Thailand and Malaysia by the end of the year. No news yet for Singapore, for now.

Through these services, the Singapore-based platform company is seeking to scale up against rivals in the region. The goal: to be a “super” app that is indispensable to users.

Grab had just launched its food delivery service in May, after the departure of rival Uber in the ride-hailing business. Entering the grocery delivery market, it will face competitors like Amazon, Redmart and Honestbee.

Why squeeze into a congested market? The key is scale. Grab is replicating a model in China, where platform companies offer dozens of on-demand services, from taxi rides to cinema tickets.

At a media event on July 10, the company also launched its GrabPlatform suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) that promises to let other companies offer services on its platform.

They could tap on the GrabPay system, for example, to have users buy a ticket, presumably in exchange for a cut of the profits.

 

With the hefty war chest that Grab has built up of late, thanks to investments from, among others, Japan’s Softbank and most recently Toyota Motor Corp, it is betting that it can oust other challengers with its growing network of users and providers. Plus, its ability to survive a war of attrition.

The company had already delivered a stunning defeat to Uber, the American ride-hailing company that pioneered the ride-hailing model back in 2009.

Now in Grab’s sights is its most noteworthy rival in the region Go-Jek, which offers motorcycle rides and other services including food delivery, primarily in Indonesia.

One problem for Grab is the regulatory scrutiny it is facing, after Uber left the region in exchange for a stake in Grab in March. Regulators from Singapore to Vietnam have since been alarmed by the company’s market power in the ride-hailing space.

Last week, Singapore’s competition commission even threatened to unwind the Uber-Grab merger if its recommended remedies were not deemed adequate. Grab has said it will appeal the commission’s decision.

You Might Also Like

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the US, should users elsewhere be worried?

Foodpanda to use Gogoro electric scooters in battery swapping trial with Cycle & Carriage

Give a royal wave and avoid munchies during video calls, say etiquette experts Debrett’s

New media with old media problems, as Facebook looks to paid subscriptions

TAGGED: Go-Jek, Grab, GrabFresh, grocery service, HappyFresh

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew July 11, 2018
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article New Linksys EA8100-AH Max-Stream router is exclusive to StarHub in Singapore
Next Article Goondu review: Vivo V9 looks promising with sleek design, despite flaws
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?
Enterprise Internet March 30, 2023
Xiaomi 13 Pro review: A photography powerhouse with 1-inch image sensor
Cellphones Mobile March 29, 2023
IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach
Cybersecurity Enterprise Software March 29, 2023
SPTel offers multi-network eSIM service to businesses running IoT apps
Enterprise Telecom March 28, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?