More in Singapore opting for live food stations on top of traditional buffets, despite higher costs

A bulk order of bentos can serve the same number of people as two buffet lines, but at a lower cost. Individually packed meals also offer greater flexibility for employees working in shifts, he added.

However, these orders – especially large numbers of bento sets –  are labour-intensive to produce, he said.

“Imagine – you have 1,000 bentos, so the manpower has gone into them. It’s sort of a net gain … but it’s still an increase of about 20 per cent of our manpower costs in totality, with your full-time and your casual labour. It’s still a hit on margins,” he said.

With shifting consumer preferences and mounting cost pressures, Dr Elhajjar said he believes businesses will need to adapt.

“By implementing technologies like AI … into the operation system, it can be much more productive and efficient,” he added.

“I think local producers are in need of financial support, but also capacity building to integrate emerging technologies into the value chain.”