By Dori Modney

COVID-19 increases e-commerce demand in the food market

Oct 25, 2021 | 11:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — The Alberta Government Consumer Corner has complied information on how COVID-19 affected the demand for e-commerce. It found many more consumers tried online food shopping for the first time, with sales trends showing that consumers have become more comfortable buying grocery and food products online.

Jeewani Fernando, provincial consumer market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, concedes consumer behaviour and attitudes towards food purchasing changed quickly and dramatically because of the pandemic.

“Despite the large volume of sales during the pandemic, there was a marked decline in multiple weekly grocery trips. These have been replaced by single large shopping trips and an increase in online purchasing.”

It’s information that could be crucial for farmers and ranchers who market their own products online and may want to engage in a little more promotion of what they offer. It doesn’t matter whether it’s fresh herbs and vegetables or farm meats and cheese. Direct contact with the consumer at Farmers’ markets even more crucial if producers what to sell on-line.

Fernando notes that convenience is the main reason for online shopping followed by safety and health and other factors. However, consumer concerns about fees, the quality and selection of perishable items, and an immediate need for the groceries are some of the main challenges.

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“Retailers may consider expanding same-day delivery service or introducing annual subscription plans rather than using one-time delivery fees. They might also increase the availability of curbside pickup to alleviate some of the concerns and to drive more online shopping.”

Consumers used various platforms to order in meals and grocery products and Fernando says e-commerce food purchases still have strong growth for both supply and demand. “These industry insights may help Alberta food retailers and food service providers to better manage their food product offerings in the post-pandemic era.”