Nielsen: The food consumer market will be permanently changed by the epidemic

As the epidemic in Asia has slowed, countries have also relaxed their quarantine restrictions. Market research company Nielsen recently found that consumers in Asian countries are still more likely to choose to dine at home than before the virus outbreak, and they are also more likely to continue to choose takeaway and food delivery services.

The survey shows that Japan is the only exception in the 12 Asian markets. In addition to Japan, the consumption of 11 countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam said that although affected by the global pandemic, they changed their eating habits It is less likely. The company predicts that although these changes in consumer behavior are likely to return to the "normal" level before the pandemic, this retroactive adjustment is more likely not to occur.

The Nielsen report shows that consumer thinking and actions have been repositioned, which will have long-term consequences. For many people, old habits like eating out may be replaced by new ones forever, and it is easier to adapt to new and changed circumstances. In addition, consumers will not only reassess where they eat, but they will also be more aware of what they are eating.

In China, the shopping behavior of inland consumers has changed significantly. Although China is gradually returning to work and production, 86% of people still say they will eat more frequently at home than before the outbreak, and 89% said they are still more willing to buy fresh products and necessities online. , 80% said they would continue to focus on diet health.

In other countries, dining at home has become a top priority, with 77% in Hong Kong, 62% in Malaysia, 62% in Vietnam, and 62% in South Korea. Since the end of January, grocery sales have generally exceeded the average weekly sales of FMCG by 20-25%. The statistics show that what was once considered a panic buying behavior may be more permanently transformed into home consumption trends.

However, restaurant dining has not disappeared. Consumers in Hong Kong, South Korea and Thailand said demand for food delivery and home delivery continued to rise. The report pointed out that these changes in consumer preferences may greatly affect their future stability, so restaurants and restaurants should remain vigilant. For retailers, affected by this change, they will need to consider how to purchase to meet growing demand, and this demand may not weaken in the short term.