How Are Consumers Reacting to The Coronavirus Lockdown?

As countries across the world continue to enforce lockdown procedures in a bid to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic, True takes a look at the impact it has had on consumer behavior.

From a rise in delivery and DIY takeaways to restaurants revealing their best-kept recipe secrets, here’s what we have found…

Homemade Happy Meals

More time plus more people at home is a recipe for culinary innovation. As a variety of eateries have temporarily closed their doors, consumers have been getting creative in order to satisfy their culinary cravings.

People have been making their own version of fast-food favorites, complete with DIY packaging and homemade versions of infamous recipes – a popular lockdown-friendly option being McDonald’s.

The chain has closed many stores and has stopped deliveries because of the coronavirus crisis. So, keen to keep the kids happy and cravings curbed, consumers have cooked up a ‘fakeaway’ adaptation of the chain’s Happy Meal range.

The trend has made waves on social media with celebrities trying their hand too.

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Restaurant Recipes

Recognizing customer demand and striving to adapt marketing messages, many popular restaurant chains have been releasing recipe details of some of their famous dishes so consumers who are missing out can make their own version.

Nando’s, Wagamama and McDonald’s are just a few of the eateries who have been giving the general public a sneak peek into what it takes to create some of their much-loved meals.

McDonald’s delighted followers by revealing the recipe for its Sausage and Egg McMuffin. While Nando’s released a Cheesy Chicken Toastie recipe for chicken lovers everywhere.

And it isn’t just global chains who are sharing their secrets. New York-based bakery, Magnolia Bakery, has also been sharing its famous cupcake and pudding recipes for fans to try at home. Its infamous Magnolia Banana Pudding recipe was released two weeks ago via Instagram Stories, with a recipe for Red Velvet Cake following the week after.

Adapting to Change

For businesses that haven’t completely shut up shop, the rush to evolve has helped keep profits afloat and customer’s bellies full.

So many food and drink businesses have reinvented themselves in the last few weeks, showing an incredible feat of energy and ingenuity. Bars and restaurants are now takeaways, bottle shops, delicatessens. Others are selling hampers, fresh meal-kits or offering cookery courses.

But naturally, the biggest change has been restaurants offering takeaway-only options and ramping-up delivery.

Eateries are turning to delivery-only options in order to keep afloat and satisfy demand.

Papa John’s were also one of the first retailers to offer ‘Contact-Free Delivery’, reassuring customers that they could still order freshly baked pizzas without the need for human contact.

In a statement, Papa John’s wrote:

“We understand that we are all living in extraordinary circumstances and so we have taken additional measures across our UK business to enhance the procedures already in place.

You can choose Contact-Free delivery to give you even more peace of mind. This service will come at no additional charge.

The driver will then call you on arrival to agree a drop-off point and will stay a minimum of two meters away when you collect your order. To ensure that this is truly contact-free, payment must be made online or over the phone.”

Chefs Offering Advice

Chefs and TV personalities all over the world have been sharing tips and cooking advice during the lockdown period.

In the UK, TV chef Jamie Oliver has appeared on screen to give some of his simple recipe hacks on ‘Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On’. With the coronavirus lockdown leaving Britons at home, many have been rummaging their cupboards to make creative meals. Jamie’s recipes help viewers create stunning dishes with just two ingredients. Recipes are flexible to what you’ve got or haven’t got in your refrigerator or freezer.

Israeli chef, Shaily Lipa has also been providing a helping hand. Shaily took to her YouTube channel helping viewers organize their refrigerators to prevent food waste, making food products last longer to avoid frequent store visits.

Homemade bread and salad dressing are just two of the recipes TV chef Jamie Oliver has shared with fans.

A Message from True

It’s clear that although we find ourselves in uncertain and everchanging circumstances, there’s still customer demand within the hospitality business.

When this is all over, and it will be, consumers will be desperate to visit much-missed restaurants, bars, cafes, and other eateries. But for now, it’s time to pause, evolve and prepare. Because when the time arrives, we’ll be ready.

We want to take this time to reassure our customers that True is still here to support you through this uncertain time.

From industry advice, product support, and units and spares, we’re here for you.

Stay safe, take care.

Team True.