The COVID-19 pandemic heavily changed the food and beverage industries. The pandemic changed consumer habits and raised food demand. Consumers’ eating and buying habits were impacted by restaurant closures or reduced operations, which caused a shift in orders. Trips to supermarkets rose significantly as shoppers bought long-lasting basics like wheat, rice, canned goods, and frozen foods. Customers favored takeaway and home delivery choices out of necessity.
Since the lockdown was lifted, the industry has been adjusting and inventing to overcome these difficulties and regain profitability. To increase consumer confidence and boost profits, the sector is developing new service offerings and COVID hygiene measures.
Impacts on the food and beverages industry in the post-pandemic era are:
1. Cloud Kitchens
Due to the decrease in consumer traffic in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry, most companies have begun the move to a cloud kitchen model, which offers significant infrastructure cost reductions. For the convenience of the customer, this approach is supported by partnerships with food aggregators that provide online ordering and delivery alternatives. Cloud kitchens saw a lot of growth post-pandemic as people now prefer to order in rather than go out to eat.
2. Digitalization
India’s food and beverage industries are undergoing remarkable changes, primarily due to digitalization. The “Chitale Group,” one of India’s top organizations, has put in place a traceability system that allows milk to be monitored from the point of purchase to the point of sale. They maintain a high degree of quality across their supply chain, allowing for the tracking of operational performance and digitization to identify breakdowns at any moment. This gives consumers transparency to see how the product is made as post-pandemic people are ready to spend a little extra on quality and sustainably made products.
3. Contactless Solutions
With an eye on health, safety, and security standards, contactless solutions are being used alongside self-service stations post-pandemic. Robotic delivery, digital menus, and in-app ordering are a few of the contactless options that are popular right now. The hospitality industry is utilizing technology like face recognition and contactless biometrics to allow customers to self-check in and check out, unlock rooms, and control elevators through facial scans.
If you are a brand that is looking to start a business in the food and beverages industry or you already have a business in the industry, you should conduct market research to see how your product will work in the post-pandemic era. Conduct market research today with IBI Global Research Solutions.
