Market research company GfK SE reports 85% of US shoppers expect to change their purchase behaviours as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). Adjustments include preparing food more often, shopping during non-peak hours, relying on e-commerce more, and postponing or cancelling personal service appointments.
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey conducted from March 17 and 18, GfK reports. The survey also uncovered US shoppers’ plans to spend more on essential items such as cleaning products, canned goods and bottled water in the coming weeks.
In fact, there was a 20% increase in the number of US shoppers who are stocking up on non-perishable food items now compared to the last survey conducted by the market research company.
The impact of the virus will also resonate long-term, according to GfK. The researcher notes consumers are watching how companies conduct themselves during the crisis, which will influence whether they do business with a brand or retailer in the future.
National Confectioners Association President & CEO John Downs also released the following statement last week praising the leadership of Governor Wolf and Governor DeWine and calling on elected officials at all levels of government to follow their example:
“As elected officials at all levels of government continue to take on the major public health challenge presented by COVID-19, we are encouraged by the leadership shown by Governor Wolf of Pennsylvania and Governor DeWine of Ohio.
Pennsylvania and Ohio are home to nearly 80,000 jobs supported by chocolate and candy manufacturing. For every one job that our industry creates in confectionery manufacturing, another 10 jobs are supported in related fields like transportation, retail and more.
Governors Wolf and DeWine have embraced food manufacturing as an essential service for their constituents, and we thank them for their support of our member companies and member companies’ suppliers that help boost the economy and drive The Power of Sweet. The food supply is part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and at times like these, our industry’s contribution to the food manufacturing sector should not be overlooked. We strongly encourage all governors, mayors and other government officials to follow the examples set by Governor Wolf and Governor DeWine and make it clear that food manufacturing is an essential service in these uncertain times.”
