What’s next for Grab?
BEFORE the pandemic, I honestly didn’t even have a food delivery app on my phone. But when Covid-19 struck, just like many of our friends we wouldn’t have made it through those without Grab bringing us food. Now, as we eagerly return to our favorite dining spots, Grab isn’t just bringing us back to our beloved tables; they too are making the pivot by making their app even more relevant with the launch of new features that blend the ease of digital transactions with the charm of in-person dining. At the recent Grab NEXT 2024 conference, the superapp explained its strategic shift to enhance its omnicommerce approach, transforming how we interact with the local culinary scene.
“The essence of dining out has evolved, blending traditional charm with digital sophistication. At Grab, we recognize that the successful revival of our local food merchants hinges not just on attracting customers back to their favorite tables but on sustaining the digital connectivity that became a lifeline during the pandemic,” says Grab Philippines director for deliveries Greg Camacho.
Grab was instrumental in supporting MSMES with on-demand delivery services during our lockdown era. With the resurgence of dine-in culture, Grab is pivoting to support the shifted consumer preferences that now seamlessly integrate in-person dining and digital convenience.
“Our aim is to equip MSMES with innovative tools that cater to this new hybrid consumer behavior, ensuring that every interaction—whether in-person or online—translates into lasting relationships and growth opportunities. By intertwining digital efficiency with the authentic dining experience, we are setting a new standard for what it means to dine in the digital age,” adds Camacho.
Grab Philippines is redefining the dine-in experience and advancing its omnicommerce approach to align with the changing preferences of consumers and the needs of its merchant partners, expanding its online-to-offline offerings, such as Pay With Grab and Instant Deals to enrich the integration of physical and digital consumer interactions.
Pay With Grab is a streamlined payment solution that allows diners to pay via the Grab app, integrating the convenience of digital payments with the pleasure of dine-in experiences. It addresses the growing consumer preference for contactless transactions while enhancing operational efficiency for restaurants.
Specifically designed for the revived dine-in culture, the Instant Deals feature enables restaurants to offer customizable and timely promotions that attract both new and returning customers. These deals can be adjusted in real-time to reflect dining trends, special events, or even weather conditions, ensuring maximum customer engagement and satisfaction.
Grab’s enhanced omnicommerce strategy supports MSMES by maximizing both walk-in traffic and the digital clientele built during the lockdowns.
For example, LA Bakery, a popular bakery chain in Pampanga, has been able to expand their business without adding more physical stores thanks to Grab.
With consumer habits evolving to include both online and in-person engagements, Grab is focused on ensuring seamless integration through its omnicommerce enhancements:
Unified Management Platform: A comprehensive tool that helps MSMES manage dine-in, pickup, and delivery services effectively.
Advanced Analytics: This tool provides MSMES with data-driven insights to better understand customer preferences, peak times, and sales patterns, aiding strategic decisions like menu adjustments and promotional activities.
Financial Flexibility: Enhancements in financial services such as Grabfin Loans and quicker settlement times improve liquidity for MSMES, enabling them to pursue growth opportunities and maintain stability in a dynamic market.
Marketing Tools: The revamped Marketing Manager tool allows MSMES to create and deploy marketing campaigns efficiently, targeting both digital and dine-in customers, thus expanding reach and enhancing customer loyalty.
The company is also expanding its food delivery services to at least seven new areas this year. According to a report from Google, Temasek Holdings, and Bain & Company, the Philippines’ digital economy is expected to reach a whopping $150 billion by 2030. This growth is mirrored in projections for the internet economy to grow by 20 percent annually, reaching $35 billion by 2025, with transport and food delivery services expected to grow by 19 percent annually.
BEATING THE HIGH TEMPERATURES WITH HAIER
AS the summer of 2024 ushers in unprecedented heat across the Philippines, with recorded heat index levels reaching dangerous peaks, the importance of reliable air conditioning cannot be overstated. In response to these scorching conditions, Haier Philippines has introduced a cutting-edge solution tailored to enhance the comfort and safety of Filipino families during these intense summer months.
Haier Philippines recently launched its Split Type Deluxe Inverter series, named UV Cool Connect Pro. Available in various capacities, including 1.0HP, 1.5HP, 2.0HP, and 2.5HP, this new series is engineered with several standout features. It incorporates Smart Control, allowing users to manage their air conditioning through Wi-fi from any location, and comes equipped with UVC Sterilization technology, utilizing pre-installed UV lights that eradicate viruses in the air, ensuring the circulation of clean, safe, and fresh air.
Additionally, this series employs DC Inverter Technology, which facilitates up to 63 percent energy savings compared to non-inverter units, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. The inclusion of Self-clean Technology automates the cleaning process, achieving a 99.9 percent efficiency rate in sterilizing the interior of the unit, thereby minimizing dirt accumulation and preventing malfunctions.
The series also features the Hyper PCB, a robust and durable circuit board design that is resistant to corrosion, moisture and insects. Moreover, it utilizes Eco-friendly R32 Refrigerant, embracing the latest advancements in refrigerant technology which not only enhances efficiency but also reduces environmental impact.
Recognizing the high quality and durability of their products, Haier is offering extended warranties for the UV Cool Connect Pro, including 1 year for parts and labor, 3 years for the outdoor PCB, and 10 years for the compressor.
Yan Xuhong, CEO of Haier Philippines, shared his excitement about the new series, stating, “At Haier, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The UV Cool Connect Pro is a testament to our commitment to providing products that not only offer superior performance and convenience but also contribute to a healthier environment. We believe this series will make a significant difference in the lives of our consumers, particularly in areas facing extreme heat challenges.”
Francis Serrato, director of air conditioner business unit at Haier Philippines, elaborated on the benefits during his presentation: “Haier’s new UV Cool Connect Pro offers a lot of advantages to consumers.
It can do self-cleaning without the user doing it; it can use the Haismart application on mobile phones where users can connect to their ACS at home and control it at their convenience anytime, anywhere. With inverter plus and eco mode activated, the customer can enjoy a significant amount of savings on electricity. And with triple airflow, turbo mode and smart dry, consumers can enjoy a more relaxing comfort and so much more at a price that is competitive in the market.”
The UV Cool Connect Pro is priced starting at P39,495 (SRP) and is available at nearby home appliance and air conditioning specialist stores. Shoppers can also order the product through Haier’s official online stores at www.shopee.ph/haierofficialstore and www.lazada.com.ph/shop/haier.■