Additionally, as a result of COVID-19, consumers are becoming more concerned about the environment and are seeking out moments of comfort, both of which will shape eating habits.

Consumers will want to maximise their health in order to boost their immunity and reduce vulnerability to disease and illness.

Research from FMCG Gurus has found that a total of 76 percent of consumers across the globe say that they are concerned about the coronavirus, whilst 59 percent say that they have become more conscious about their overall health and 57 percent about their immunity. As a result of this, 73 percent of consumers say that they plan to eat and drink healthier.

When asked what steps they will take to lead a healthier lifestyle, the top three answers given by consumers was increase intake of fruit (58 percent), reduce sugar intake (45 percent) and increase protein intake (37 percent). This shows that consumers will adopt a back to basics approach to nutrition, turning to everyday food and drink products that they deem to be natural and contain ingredients that offer a nutritional boost. Turning to everyday food and drink such as fruit will be linked to trust and affordability, which is important at a time when 63 percent of consumers think that the world is heading towards recession.

Although there has been little positive sentiment that has emerged from COVID-19, one area that has resulted in optimism is that consumers have become more confident that damage done to the environment is repairable. This is a result of consumers witnessing natural resources start to replenish themselves in a short period of time because of restrictions in movement. As a result of this, 55 percent of consumers said they have now become more conscious about the environment and 35 percent said that they are now paying closer attention to sustainability claims.

Another key area that will influence food habits in 2020 and beyond is the need for escapism. For instance, a high proportion of consumers are concerned about the impact that COVID-19 is having on their mental wellbeing, whilst 55 percent of consumers have sought out food products to improve their mood in the last month.

Consumers will have a wide range of worries, such as the health and wellbeing of themselves and loved ones, as well as financial concerns due to any impending recession. This is something that will drive demand for products that offer moments of comfort and escapism from daily pressures.

Across the globe, a total of 48 percent of consumers believe that COVID-19 will continue to influence day-to-day lives for at least twelve months. As such, this is something that will drive demand for food that is healthy, sustainable and offers moments of comfort.

Source: New Food Magazine

The post Evolving Eating Habits Due To COVID-19 appeared first on The Fine Food Magazine .

Are shopping prices increasing?

Prices across the globe are rising which is impacting the way consumers choose their food and drink products. FMCG Gurus shopper insights across nine different European countries in 2020 show that 88 percent of consumers think that the price of regular food and beverage products have increased over the last 12 months. The increase in rising prices is having a direct impact on consumer shopping habits. This is highlighted as 62 percent of European consumers have now claimed that they are making changes to their shopping due to rising prices in the market.

What changes are consumers making?

There are many changes consumers are now making to their shopping habits. One of the main changes is that consumers are now making greater efforts to avoid food waste with 69 percent agreeing to do so. This can also be linked to consumer taking a more proactive approach to looking after the environment, as many consumers are concerned and feel that the state of the environment has gotten worse in the last two decades. One other way in which consumers are changing is that they are cutting down on non-essentials. FCMG Gurus consumer insights show that 54 percent of European consumers are now cutting down on products such as chocolate and crisps due to rising prices.

Do consumers want store-own brands?

Another impact of rising prices in the FMCG market is that consumers are actively looking for store-own brands. Research shows that 56 percent of consumers say they are now looking to buy more store-own products when shopping. This is also highlighted as 48 percent of European consumers state they look for retailers that offer a broad range of private label food and drink products, ranging from standard to premium products. However, although consumers are actively seeking store-own goods, 45 percent say there are not enough private label/store own brands available to accommodate their health and nutritional needs.

Where are consumers shopping and why?

Consumers are still predominantly shopping in a physical store. This is seen as 87 percent of European consumers say they still go to the store rather than doing their weekly shop online. One of the main reasons why consumers are still going to the shop is because they want to evaluate how fresh products are in person. This is highlighted as 45 percent of consumers in Europe state they are untrusting of online shopping when it comes to being delivered fresh products.

Source: New Food Magazine

The post The impacts of evolving consumer preference appeared first on The Fine Food Magazine .