Top 5 Ways COVID-19 Has Shifted Consumer Food Trends

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COVID-19 has impacted consumer food trends in a variety of ways. Here are the to 5 shifts that have occurred.

1. Delivery Apps

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly ushered in a delivery app boom, with consumers wanting food to be brought to them. In fact the top 4 American delivery apps have seen their revenue increase by $3 billion since restrictions began in 2020. Looking ahead, companies have already been trialling innovative bots, and driverless drones and cars, which could reduce costs of deliveries in the future. 

2. Fast Food

In the wake of COVID-19, many QSRs (quick service restaurants) have had to modify their operations. In order to cope with minimal-contact demand for fast food, most fast food businesses have ramped up promotions to incentivise customers, with loyalty programmes and numerous personalised offerings. In response to the social distancing measures prescribed during the pandemic, some outlets also installed express lanes for those with small orders. Of course there has been an inevitable shift to takeout and delivery of fast food, and this suggests that the future of fast food will involve streamlined menus, and food and beverage products which can maintain a fresh, ‘just cooked’ appearance. 

3. Plant Based Products

Since the pandemic began there has been a great increase in the number of consumers exploring a plant-based diet. With food manufacturing giants including KFC and McDonalds launching a variety of new plant-based options for their consumers. According to Food Tank, COVID-19 has led to a “plant forward revolution”. They explain: “The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing fractures across the industrial meat industry, including unjust working conditions and major supply chain vulnerabilities. As shoppers stocked their kitchens during the first wave of lockdowns, Nielsen data shows that they became more curious about plant-forward eating: from April 12 to May 9, vegan products saw a 53% increase in sales versus 34% for meat”. 

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At the end of 2020, The Unilever Group set a new annual global sales target of 1 billion Euros from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives within the next seven years. And in September, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, announced plans to increase sales of plant-based products by 300% by 2025. 

4. Immunity Strengthening Products

COVID-19 has intensified the demand for immunity-strengthening foods and supplements worldwide. In June 2020, a GlobalData survey found that 23% of consumers globally admit they’ve stockpiled more vitamins and supplements in recent times. And the immunity boosting product market is expected to reach $24.02 billion in 2023. Consumer trends have shifted to foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc. And there has also been an increased focus on gut health. In fact, it’s worth noting that he global digestive health products market is expected to grow to a whopping $59.3 billion by 2025.

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5. A Focus on Supply Chains and Traceability

Sudden lockdowns which resulted from the pandemic compromised consumers access to affordable, safe and nutritious food and drink for the first time in generations. Supply chain shortages and anxiety about food safety and traceability will continue to act as catalysts for change in food manufacturing supply chain processes. Consumers now demand that food suppliers provide holistic traceability, and heightened food quality assurance across their product lines.

As COVID-19 continues to change the landscape, businesses must continue to adapt. With food technology evolving at a rapid pace, food and beverage companies have an unprecedented opportunity to increase their profit margins. The challenge is to harness technology to improve customer demand for your product and make your supply chain run more smoothly and transparently. Get in touch to learn how Cashmere can help you thrive and stay ahead of the competition.