It has been a year since the UK government has enforced strict lockdowns due to the uncontrolled outbreak of the coronavirus. Its impact reached all sectors, with tourism being one of the most affected.
Although considered an essential service, the food industry also found itself struggling in the new normal. Everyone saw the changes brought by several restrictions in an attempt to curb the COVID-19 infections. The authorities did everything they could while keeping the loss as minimum as possible.
Below are the latest adjustments around the food business.
More Restaurants Embraced Delivery And Takeaway
Online orders and deliveries helped several companies stay afloat through the lockdowns. In Peterborough, local businesses like Pizza Pazza adopted delivery and takeaway to reduce their employees’ risk of getting infected.
While delivery services are present pre-pandemic, the number of businesses using these models has increased exponentially. Moreover, ordering pizzas and other cuisines may be similar to the leisure of dining out. People who missed the outside world could make use of this facility to satiate their cravings and feel pampered while indoors.
Uber Drivers Are Now Workers
Restrictions to public transport use and ordering essential goods through Uber led to its more robust operation. With drivers exposing themselves to risks everyday and increased hours of duty, the jury thought a revolution was imminent.
Rather than being independent contractors, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Uber drivers are entitled to minimum wage and other benefits.
It may sound like good news for 70,000 drivers of the giant app across the United Kingdom. But for Deliveroo, an Amazon-backed food delivery app, the ruling became a death verdict after investors feared that this crackdown on the gig economy would shake up its business model.
As a result, Deliveroo flopped on its first day in the market. But if there’s one thing in common between Deliveroo and other flourishing brands today, that is resilience. Before it issued its shares to the market, the brand suffered immense losses but remained strong. The company still has a high value, and investors may soon tap into its shares as soon as it gains momentum in its field.
Make-Your-Own Food Packs
Companies, whether big or small, pushed themselves to be more creative with their food offers. Some even shared secret recipes on social media platforms to remain engaged with their followers. As more consumers become nostalgic over dine-in meals they can no longer enjoy, food businesses discovered ways to satiate this longing — through packages never sold before.
Fast food companies started to sell mojos, fries, marinated chicken, and frozen meat in packs. These make-your-own food packs became a hit during the tightest lockdowns and when grab-and-go food appeared to be a distant memory.
Merger And Acquisition Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic gave birth to many partnerships. Producers, manufacturers, and other food enterprises would need to consolidate to keep their ventures alive.
Without herd immunity, analysts cannot precisely estimate how fast the economy would recover or if the demand for various products would increase. The threat of a pandemic’s multiple waves is another factor that will decide the fate of a business. M&As serve as a lifeline and possibly, a solution to the infected world’s changing necessities.
Author Bio
Angelo Chongco is a Digital Marketing Specialist and a content writer for business and technology niches. Exposed in multiple trades, he’s an expert in link building strategies, business administration, and content management. He also loves back floating under the Boracay sun!
