Consumption in a remote world
In the third part of our Navigating the Next Normal series, we look at the effects working from home and distance learning have had on consumers, as well as touch upon the unique challenges and opportunities this presents for businesses.
As we start the second half of 2021, many countries worldwide are seeing what can only be described as a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic. A steady increase in the number of vaccinated individuals is finally allowing governments to act on – or at least consider – easing of restrictions. But how has a year of social distancing and lockdowns changed consumers and businesses? And are global consumers ready to revert to a pre-pandemic “normal” or will they forge a new path?
A lifestyle shift
Across many industries, the pandemic has led to a profound structural shift in the workplace: tech giants like Google and Apple are even advocating a hybrid work model. However, for this to succeed flexibility is key as both employers and employees need time to figure out what works for them in the long run. With people confined to their homes and children learning via computer screens – consumption as a whole has undergone several changes.
The sustenance factor
Between spending far more time at home and dealing with restaurants and cafes being closed or operating on restricted timetables, people have had to re-evaluate their relationship with what they eat and drink. The initial burst of creativity during the first wave of lockdowns resulted in trends like Dalgona coffee and restaurant-style fakeaways, aided by the convenience of online grocery shopping and the availability of shelf-stable foods. Alongside, concerns about potential supply chain disruptions resulted in reduced food waste – boosted by creative recipes online and even a TV show dedicated to the reuse of leftovers.
The food service industry was also quick to pivot with out-of-the-box solutions that are likely to endure in a post-pandemic world: be it meal kits from renowned restaurants or ghost kitchens offering delivery service while cutting operational costs.
Wellness with convenience
With restrictions continuing longer than anticipated, achieving the balance between comfort food and a healthy diet has become ever more vital. And thus, the “next-normal” consumer has evolved to want it all – wellness, taste, and convenience. In response, businesses have begun to innovate with product categories – like drinks that double up as snacks and a variety of immunity-boosting food and drinks.
Wellness will remain a focus area for the foreseeable future. And as society continues its gradual reopening, consumers will once again look for convenience of on-the-go products. Manufacturers can confidently meet this trend with SIG’s range of packaging solutions like combidome, combismile, combiblocXSlim. They can also take things even further, creating new drinkable snacks using our unique drinksplus solution. Reach out and learn more about how SIG can partner with you for product innovation.
In the next part of the series, we will delve into how a heightened awareness about their own and the planet’s wellbeing has made consumers more conscious of their consumption patterns. Subscribe to get our exclusive bi-weekly newsletter, SIGnals Update, in your inbox.
- August 05, 2021