GoPizza bets on speedy expansion to take on fast food giants

IN FOCUS

In today’s newsletter, we look at:

• How GoPizza uses AI and robotics as it is expands rapidly across Asia
• The monopoly allegations against Shopee in Indonesia
• Why Blibli’s shares outshone GoTo, Bukalapak last year

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Hi there,

I like pizza. Although I’m not a connoisseur, this Italian specialty is often my choice when I see it on the menu.

However, I can’t just buy pizza anytime I want. That’s because it can be quite expensive in Indonesia – at least that’s how I feel.

This is exactly what GoPizza, a South Korean startup that offers more affordable pizza and serves it faster than incumbents like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, is trying to address.

GoPizza has swiftly expanded in Asia since it started out in 2016, setting up more than 200 outlets across Indonesia, Singapore, and other markets in the region. The company is even positioning itself to go up against fast food chains with similar price points like Subway, McDonald’s, and KFC.

In this week’s Big Story, my colleague Melissa dissects GoPizza’s expansion strategy. She interviewed its CEO and founder, Jay Lim, who talked about how his company uses AI and robotics in kitchen operations.

Meanwhile, I discuss the monopoly allegations that Shopee faces in Indonesia in our Hot Take. The ecommerce firm is accused of favoring its own logistics service, Shopee Xpress, over other delivery options.

— Jofie

THE BIG STORY

South Korean startup serves pizza with AI and robotics. But is it a flash in the pan?

Image credit: Timmy Loen

Fast casual chain GoPizza has over 200 outlets in seven Asian markets and plans to open another hundred by June.

THE HOT TAKE

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

FYI