Food Buying Habits During and After COVID-19
During the earlier phases of COVID-19, many consumers turned to comfort foods/drinks to get them through the pandemic and its consequences (i.e. unemployment, stress, etc.). “Some products — ice cream and sherbet, and spirits and liquor — experienced monthly sales increases that exceeded 40%” (Rueter).
Even though the earlier phases of COVID have passed, the IRI does not expect consumer’s retail and consumption habits to change for a while! “One of those noteworthy habits is consumers’ intention to cook more frequently. Almost half of adults (49%) expect to prepare meals more often and 38% say they think they will eat out less often” (Stein).
As we reach these next phases, the IRI is predicting that since stimulus packages and unemployment support are running out, value-seeking and in-home consumption will increase (Rueter).
Interestingly, they noted how successful ecommerce has been during this time and are predicting its continued growth after the pandemic. Our Warehouse Team Members have been staying busy and it looks like they will continue to post-pandemic!
If you would like to read more about this topic, click on the link to the article: “Retail Shoppers Ready to Move From Comfort to Value” by Thad Rueter.
