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The prepared food industry stands as a vital pillar of Vietnam's economic landscape. Its
influence stretches across numerous facets, significantly contributing to the nation's Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and serving as a substantial source of employment. According to
the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (2023), the food and beverage sector collectively
accounts for roughly 15% of the national GDP and provides livelihoods for over 20% of the
country's workforce. This dynamic sector has consistently demonstrated robust expansion,
registering annual growth rates between 7% and 10% over the last decade (Mordor
Intelligence, 2024). This upward trajectory, coupled with a burgeoning market size,
underscores the considerable future potential inherent within this industry.
The Core Idea: Addressing the Urban Time Crunch with "NourishNow"
Our central concept revolves around "NourishNow," a service designed to provide readily
available, nutritious, and budget-friendly pre-portioned meal solutions tailored for busy
professionals residing in Vietnam's bustling urban centers. The inspiration for "NourishNow"
stemmed from our own firsthand experiences navigating the challenges of maintaining a
healthy diet amidst demanding professional lives, where time for grocery shopping and
cooking often proves scarce. What sets "NourishNow" apart is our commitment to utilizing
locally sourced, predominantly organic ingredients, coupled with the provision of diverse,
easily prepared recipes that can be adapted to individual dietary needs and preferences.
The "NourishNow" service delivery model comprises several interconnected stages: (1)
Establishing direct relationships with local, primarily organic farms to secure a consistent
supply of fresh produce and other ingredients. (2) Developing weekly menus and
accompanying recipes crafted by our team of in-house nutritionists, ensuring both nutritional
balance and culinary appeal. (3) Carefully assembling pre-portioned meal kits, complete with
user-friendly preparation instructions, minimizing cooking time and effort for our customers.
(4) Offering a seamless online ordering experience through our dedicated website and
intuitive mobile application, complemented by flexible delivery options to suit the schedules
of busy professionals within urban areas. (5) Prioritizing exceptional customer support,
actively soliciting feedback, and leveraging insights to continuously refine and enhance our
service offerings.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality, nutritionally balanced meal kits, prepared with a
strong emphasis on sustainable sourcing practices, while consistently providing outstanding
customer experiences and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and culinary
innovation.
● Vinamilk: Their vision aims for global recognition and consumer trust in their
nutritional products, while their mission focuses on delivering valuable nutrition with
respect and responsibility. This highlights a focus on both market leadership and
ethical practices in providing essential goods.
● Hoa Phat Group: Their vision centers on becoming a dominant industrial force in
Vietnam with a significant global presence, and their mission emphasizes providing
superior quality products and services that enhance quality of life. This reflects an
ambition for industrial strength and a commitment to improving living standards
through their offerings.
● FPT Corporation: Their vision is to be a leading global provider of digital
transformation services, and their mission is to empower organizations through digital
solutions that drive effectiveness, innovation, and growth. This clearly positions them
within the technology sector with a focus on enabling digital advancement for their
clients.
The central objective of our market research is to evaluate the existing demand for
convenient meal solutions among working professionals in Ho Chi Minh City and to gain a
thorough understanding of their dietary preferences and purchasing behaviors related to
food. To achieve this, we adopted a blended research methodology, incorporating: (1) An
online survey distributed to 500 employed individuals to gather quantifiable data regarding
their eating habits, specific dietary requirements, and price sensitivities related to prepared
food options. (2) In-depth, one-on-one interviews conducted with 20 individuals to obtain
qualitative insights into their underlying motivations, the challenges they face in meal
preparation, and their expectations from a convenient meal service. Additionally, we
conducted a comprehensive review of existing market reports and relevant industry
publications to establish a broader understanding of current trends within the food and
beverage sector in Vietnam. Our strategic approach involved integrating both quantitative
and qualitative data to develop a comprehensive and well-supported understanding of the
target market.
Key Market Trend (Factor E): The Vietnamese market is witnessing a significant surge in
online food delivery services and a parallel increase in the consumption of convenience
foods. Furthermore, a growing emphasis on health and wellness is fueling demand for
nutritious and organically sourced food choices (Nielsen Vietnam, 2023).
Key Customer Needs (Factor S): Our research indicates a strong demand among working
professionals for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that seamlessly integrate into their
busy schedules. Prioritization of health, nutritional value, and high-quality ingredients is also
evident. Many consumers within this demographic are willing to invest a premium for
products that effectively address these specific needs (our survey data, 2024).
● Threat of New Entrants: The barrier to entry in the prepared meal kit market is
moderate. While the initial investment in sourcing and logistics can be significant, the
increasing popularity of online food businesses lowers some traditional barriers.
However, establishing a strong brand reputation and reliable supply chain presents
challenges for newcomers.
● Bargaining Power of Suppliers: By focusing on establishing strong, direct
relationships with numerous local organic farms, we aim to mitigate the bargaining
power of individual suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and consistent quality.
● Bargaining Power of Buyers: Consumers in urban areas have a growing number of
food options available. Therefore, maintaining competitive pricing, offering high-
quality products, and providing excellent customer service will be crucial to retaining
customers and mitigating their bargaining power.
● Threat of Substitute Products or Services: The threat of substitutes is relatively
high, including traditional restaurants, online food delivery platforms offering ready-to-
eat meals, and frozen meal options. Our focus on fresh, healthy, and customizable
meal kits aims to differentiate us from these alternatives.
● Rivalry Among Existing Competitors: The convenient meal kit market in Ho Chi
Minh City exhibits moderate competition. Key direct competitors include [Competitor
X], known for its budget-friendly options, and [Competitor Y], which emphasizes
gourmet and international cuisine. [Competitor X] benefits from price sensitivity but
faces criticism regarding ingredient quality. [Competitor Y] offers premium quality but
at a higher price point. "NourishNow" will strategically position itself by offering a
compelling balance of affordability, high-quality ingredients (with a focus on local and
organic),