Consumers have dramatically altered their shopping habits in response to Covid-19, putting pressure on retailers to adapt to changing consumption patterns, according to a survey by Emerson, a multinational technology and engineering company.
Thai consumers are among those who now consider food quality, freshness and hygiene as more important than store operating hours, variety of choices and availability of delivery services when shopping for groceries.
More than eight out of 10 (81%) of the respondents to the survey conducted in July said they're paying close attention to whether food is kept at safe temperatures all throughout the supply chain during transport and storage.
This strong focus underscores a critical need for retailers, supermarkets and suppliers to design and invest in technology, processes and cold chain infrastructure that help ensure freshness and safety of food to meet consumers' expectations.
The survey by the commercial and residential solutions business of Emerson gathered responses from 604 male and female adults aged 20-60 in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. According to the survey, consumers value food safety, a hygienic shopping environment and quality refrigeration equipment more than lower prices compared with the time before the pandemic breakout.
While 72% of all respondents -- and 80% of those in Thailand -- said they planned to return to more traditional fresh food venues such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, wet markets and grocery stores once Covid-19 restrictions are removed, they will continue to expect the quality and freshness of food to be guaranteed.
However, many consumers, including a majority of Indian and Chinese respondents, said they would continue buying fresh food from online platforms.
Covid-19 has also changed where people eat their meals. Fewer people will be dining out as frequently as before, even once all restrictions have been eased. On average, 47% of respondents said they would choose to cook and eat at home even when the cities where they live reopen. Respondents in South Africa (84%), India (77%), the Philippines (72%), Australia (61%) and Indonesia (60%) are more likely to eat at home than at restaurants.
As a result, more consumers will continue to buy fresh products from retailers. The change creates new opportunities for retail stores, supermarkets and online stores seeking to address shoppers' concerns about food safety and quality through enhanced refrigeration technologies.
Some major Asian markets continue to see rising use of e-commerce channels for buying fresh food. China leads the way with 88% of respondents now ordering fresh food from online stores or through mobile applications, followed by South Korea (63%), India (61%) and Indonesia (60%).
Even after restrictions are eased, 52% of Indian respondents and 50% of Chinese respondents said they would continue to purchase fresh food online.
With mass quantities of refrigerated and frozen food in inventory, large distribution centres experience the unique challenge of preventing food loss and protecting food safety on a grand scale. Adding to this complexity, many are also supporting e-commerce food retail fulfilment.
Compressors and other refrigeration technologies are among the products Emerson supplies to help protect perishable foods throughout the cold chain.
A majority of survey respondents believe supermarkets (82%) and wet markets (71%) have improved their methods and standards in ensuring food safety and quality, but there is room for improvement.
Consumers increasingly expect the food industry to comply with safety and health protocols, maintain clean and hygienic stores and sell quality, hygienic and fresh food.
The change of consumer behaviour will create significant markets for retailers who can use advanced end-to-end cold chain systems and the latest connected technologies to supply fresh and quality food and build trust in the long run.
