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How Corona is affecting our eating habits – The situation that has prevailed for almost five months continues to pose major challenges for us. Hardly any area
Our lives and daily routines are not affected by this, whether leisure, work, or family. However, the topics of food and nutrition are heavily influenced by Corona. In connection with the FOOD & LIFE trade fair planned for the end of November (November 25th-29th) this year, I've done some research on this for you.
How Corona is affecting our eating habits
It felt like overnight in mid-March, when the coronavirus pandemic confronted us with a new daily routine. Eating out was no longer possible, and grocery shopping became a challenge. These changes, in ever-evolving forms, continue to this day. Naturally, this is leading to changes in shopping and eating habits for more and more people. But how exactly has this changed since the beginning of the pandemic? – A very interesting topic that deserves closer examination. It's already clear that the pandemic will permanently alter all of our consumer behavior. There will be lasting and structural shifts – including in the retail sector.
„Sustainability“ under the current circumstances
I've done some research on the topic and discovered that, according to the DGQ study "Sustainability as a Quality Factor," sustainability aspects influence grocery shopping for around 701 people. This figure has risen dramatically since mid-March. A recent study (with 3,000 participants) revealed that many people have been shopping much more consciously and healthily (501) since the start of the pandemic. When shopping, we are making more conscious, sustainable choices (451), and considering more carefully what we buy, where it comes from, and whether it's good for us. This increased awareness of healthy eating and sustainability has led 221 of the respondents to forgo fish and meat. 191 people even removed all animal products from their diets during the COVID-19 period, and another 441 people are trying to reduce their consumption of fish and meat without giving them up entirely. Those who buy fish and meat demonstrate once again how important sustainability is: two-thirds buy exclusively products from certified animal husbandry (according to DGQ). In terms of sustainability, it can therefore be said that since the beginning of these changed circumstances, we are happy to spend more money on sustainably produced and high-quality food.
The pandemic has permanently changed our shopping habits.
Food: More fresh produce, more online, less in the bin
An equally positive side effect regarding nutrition in connection with the coronavirus pandemic: 641,000 people are paying even closer and more consistent attention to avoiding food waste and using food more sparingly. Significantly less food ends up in the bin. This is likely also due to the changed behavior in retail stores and supermarkets. Since mid-May 2020, considerably more fresh food has been purchased, and people are cooking from scratch more often. When food is stored, it is usually in the form of canned goods.
Another side effect is the steadily growing willingness to buy groceries online. Previously, many were skeptical of this. The pandemic has now led one in three Germans to buy groceries online, and currently 321,033 – and rising – of all necessary goods, including groceries, are purchased online.
Healthy, sustainable and regional – these things are becoming increasingly important.
Regional food products are in high demand
Regional products and foods remain very much in vogue. We have rarely placed so much emphasis on supporting local partners and sourcing food from the region. Regional is now often considered the new organic, because whether it's vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, or dairy products – buying food locally is becoming increasingly popular. More than 601,030 people now pay attention to the origin of food in supermarkets. 551,030 shop seasonally and even consciously leave certain fruits and vegetables on the shelves if they are not locally sourced. A very commendable development, in my opinion. Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture found in another survey that almost 401,030 people – predominantly teenagers and young adults (471,030) – look for products from local agriculture when grocery shopping. regard.
„Finding truly regional products – as I've also experienced – isn't as easy as you might think. For example, the Federal Centre for Nutrition is working to combat the numerous different regional labels and confusing food labels, and offers digital resources. Support in finding regional food products. Because not everything that looks like it's from the region actually is. So watch out for potential pitfalls.
Cooking more and more consciously during the Corona crisis
How I personally perceive the (dietary) change
AI, too, have personally noticed a significant change in my own eating habits and share the observations above. I now go to the supermarket much more often and consciously focus even more on regional products. As early as the end of March, I started cooking more and – as described above – paying even closer attention to really high quality and sustainability in my choices.
Since May 18th and 25th respectively, restaurants have reopened, and I've rediscovered my "old" and familiar passion for dining out. However, my heightened attention to every food item and ingredient has remained. Definitely a positive side effect of the ongoing pandemic.
I too am shopping more consciously and eating even healthier.
FOOD & LIFE 2020 and what to expect
Good news for all food lovers: According to a decision by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, trade fairs will resume in Bavaria from September 1, 2020. FOOD & LIFE 2020 will therefore once again be a reliable meeting place for food, drink, and enjoyment from November 25 to 29, 2020. This public and trade fair is aimed at gourmets and health-conscious consumers and focuses on artisanal food products, including numerous regional products made from local ingredients. Reflecting current food trends, FOOD & LIFE underscores the importance of Bavaria's culinary treasures, produced by both traditional manufacturers and innovative start-ups. You will soon find out which exhibitors to expect and what great program there will be on my website. Further information about the hygiene and safety concept of FOOD & LIFE 2020 can be found on the trade fair's website linked below.
+++ This article was created in cooperation with FOOD & LIFE. Thank you! +++
FOOD & LIFE 2020 – Germany's largest meeting place for food, drink and enjoyment
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Opening hours: November 25th / 26th / 27th / 28th / 29th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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