The Changing Landscape of the Philippine Retail Food Industry

Abstract

The retail industry, growing at a significant rate, has contributed much to the economy of the country as highlighted in its increasing share in the personal consumption expenditure (PCE), gross domestic product (GDP), and employment. This study examines the importance of the retail industry, discussing its pattern of spread, the supply and demand conditions that affect the industry, the change in the procurement system of the retail formats, as well as the actions taken by some stakeholders to address the negative impact of such changes. The major players in the industry that are based locally have resorted to importation, modernization, and expansion to other areas to maintain their position. These activities gave the retailers a competitive edge over the others, even over the foreign retailers. Moreover, initial findings suggest that the changes in the food retail structure influenced the way the supermarkets source their fresh produce from their suppliers. This procurement system determines which actors are included in the structure. Only those suppliers who can respond to the stringent standards set by the supermarkets can continuously serve them.