How COVID-19 has altered consumer food trends in Asia

COVID-19 has changed the way people buy and consume food and agricultural products. Consumers are increasingly looking for food with health benefits. There has also been a substantial increase in online food buying. Demand for premium food, usually consumed in restaurants, has fallen. Meanwhile, takeaway food consumption has increased.

Parts of the world are now moving from acute pandemic responses to ongoing disease management. These trends are expected to have lasting implications for Australian agricultural exports to Asia.

Implications for trade

These consumer food trends are likely to affect trade.

  • Buying food online is likely to remain above pre‑COVID‑19 levels. This trend will be particularly strong in markets with young populations (such as Indonesia). It will also be strong in markets with high online transactions (such as Korea and China). Advertising and selling products online are essential in these markets.
  • Food with credible health claims will continue to attract premium prices, particularly in China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Australia’s reputation for safe and sustainably produced food will continue to be an asset.
  • Reduced international travel, risk aversion and capacity limits will slow the global hospitality sector’s recovery. This will suppress demand for certain products, such as premium wine and fresh seafood.

Food sales go online

In April 2020, consumers in Asia-Pacific countries reported a 16 to 70% increase in online spending on food (Source: McKinsey 2020, Reimagining food retail in Asia after COVID-19). Markets and food retail stores are reopening in many countries. However, there is evidence that online food purchases will remain at elevated levels.

abfevents2023

Exporters that can reach consumers online, either directly or through local online retailers, will be best placed to benefit from the rise of e-commerce.

Figure 1: E-commerce retail index, 2019 to 2025

Fig_1_COVID_trends

Increased focus on health and sustainability

COVID-19 has amplified consumer preferences for foods with health, freshness and sustainability credentials. With COVID-19 still affecting many countries, this trend is likely to continue over the coming years.

Australian exporters are well placed to leverage and enhance Australia’s reputation for high-quality, clean and sustainably made food products.

Loyalty disruptions

ABF media

COVID-19 restricted physical movement and the availability of goods (particularly fresh produce). This, and changing preferences, led consumers to try new brands.

Disruption to regular brand preferences presents opportunities to gain market share and reach new consumers. It also emphasises the importance of ongoing engagement with current customers to maintain their loyalty.

From eating out to eating at home

COVID-19 closed restaurants around the world. Consumers turned to takeaway food, meal kits and home cooking. Persistent outbreaks have prevented venues returning to full capacity. In some countries, consumers may continue to eat at home to reduce their risk of infection.

Restaurant closures and reduced tourism are an ongoing challenge for premium food exporters. Exporters should consider partnering with local premium food distributors and meal-kit providers. They can also redirect food into the retail sector. Food sold in the retail sector often needs different packaging and may attract lower prices compared to the hospitality sector.

READ MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIA-ASIA

Join Australia-Asia Forum
receive newsletter & our event promotion

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.