Grocerant Niche Green Shoots

The foodservice conundrum ‘COVID-19’ proves one thing according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® “We are all in this together”.  The battle for share of stomach may be distorted at present but Darian Pickett, CEO Acosta says consumers are optimistic and want a return comforting food legacy and evolving avenues of distribution.

In research from Acosta’s first shopper survey from March 6-12 found “concern levels averaged 6.9, and now it’s risen to 8.2 out of 10. That said, we’re optimistic these concerns will reverse with more than half of shoppers surveyed noting they expect their shopping habits to return to ‘normal’ once the pandemic is over.” Here are some insights from Acosta’s third COVID-19 research report, gathered via online surveys conducted between April 3-7, provides insight into both current and future consumer behavior, as well as recommendations for retailers, including:

Previewing Post-Pandemic Life

·         68% of shoppers said it’s extremely or very likely that their grocery habits will return to normal once the pandemic is over.

·         58% of shoppers said it’s extremely or very likely they will return to the same eating-out routines they had before.

·         56% of shoppers said it’s extremely or very likely that they will eat at home more than they used to for a while.

·         31% of shoppers said it’s extremely or very likely they will do more online grocery pickup or delivery than they did before.

Recommendations for Retailers

·         Focus on people first, namely shoppers and staff, and ensure enhanced safety by enabling no-touch transactions, such as self-checkout and Apple Pay.

·         Recognize and respond to changing shopper attitudes and behaviors by offering assorted comfort foods and snacks in addition to essentials.

·         Ensure the retail digital shelf and e-commerce strategies are prepared for the accelerated shift to online grocery demand.

·         With staying at home likely remaining strong in the months post-COVID, provide convenient shopper "solutions" centered on meals and self-care.

·         Accommodate lower-income shoppers who are getting relief to buy food via stimulus checks; they may be looking to trade down and leverage promotions.

Acosta’s research was gathered via online surveys using the company’s proprietary shopper community from April 3-7. The report also includes comparison data from online surveys conducted March 6-12 and March 20-29.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant Program Assessment, Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869