Honestbee aims for national expansion in the Philippines

After launching last year, online grocery- and food-delivery service Honestbee Philippines has set a goal of national expansion.

Set up in Singapore in 2014, the concept soon spread to such neighbouring countries as Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.

In the Philippines, meanwhile, the Honestbee team has grown from five members to 150 “and counting”, says country manager Crystal Lee-Gonzalez. “We have about 100 grocery partners and nearly 300 food partners on the platform.”

Services have expanded to include Metro Manila areas like Antipolo, Cainta, Malabon, Malolos Bulacan, Marikina, Meycauayan, Novaliches and Valenzuela. It has also launched in Metro Cebu, with other locations such as Camanava under consideration.

“Right now, we have our eyes on highly populated urban areas with relatively difficult traffic conditions, such as Dasmariñas, Imus and Lipa,” says Lee-Gonzalez.

Aside from online grocery shopping, a Wet Market Concierge Service has been added. Consumers can choose and buy the best produce and freshest seafood from the Alabang Wet Market, Cubao Farmer’s Market and the Pasay Wet Market.

Honestbee has also launched concierge services for laundry pick-up and delivery (including dry-cleaning), and will soon offer deliveries from restaurants.