Printing Innovation Asia Issue 5 2020
48
COVID-19 to change the future of snacking in APAC Product choices prior to COVID-19 were often shaped by the demand of ‘on-the-go’ lifestyles, which is no longer applicable as consumers are in lockdown. With self-isolation changing the dynamics of snacks for the consumers, brands are on the constant look-out for new ways to meet the personalized health consumer demands, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. According to GlobalData Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tracker, Week 6(28 April-3 May), about 36% of Chinese consumers and 25% of Indian consumers are influenced by how their safety and well-being is impacted by the product and services. The survey also reveals that 32% Chinese and 24% Indian consumers are buying savoury snacks more than before. Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer insight analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, highlights the healthy snackification trends that are going to shape up in Asia-Pacific (APAC) amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Reprioritization of Consumer Basket While the idea of snacking still revolves around killing boredom or to find solace, the idea of ‘what to snack on’ has changed. Health still remains the leading priority for consumers and the concern has just heightened during the pandemic. With social distancing, workfrom-home and reduced opportunities for ‘on-the-go’ consumption and exercise, health-positioned snacking products are an obvious choice to meet consumers' health needs. With these unique conditions spurring concerns over nutrition and over-
existing lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and diabetes, plant-forward and nutrient-dense snacks that offer supplemented vitamins will remain much in demand. Brands are taking note of the changing consumer needs and replacing artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and other preservatives with natural, plant-based and clean label items to realign their portfolio.
