At least this is what can be deduced from a recent study of consumer sentiment carried out last June by the market research company The NPD Group, which indicates that this high willingness to return to consumption – slightly higher in young people than in older people – It is not exempt from conditions, since Spaniards continue to demand protection measures against the virus: distance between tables for 67%, hygienic cleaning procedures (58%), limited capacity (56%), availability of areas in the outside (50%), or that staff are equipped with masks and gloves (47%), among others.
In fact, protection measures and terrace availability are the main factors when choosing an establishment, ahead of a clear and simple menu offer and trust in a certain restaurant.
New habits in consumption
The study also confirms that during all these months the consumer has been acquiring new habits and has been modifying their perception regarding some aspects such as:
Local product. The pandemic has pushed up the preference for local products, which are perceived as safer by 63% of those surveyed, fifteen points more than in the previous study of consumer sentiment, of October 2020.
Sustainability. 83% of those surveyed state that they are concerned about “the world we are building for future generations” and even the majority (61%) demand specific actions for restoration in this area, considering that establishments “should focus more on The sustainability”.
Digitization. The study highlights the importance of the sector’s digitization process: four out of ten customers in the foodservice market in 2020 would have been lost if digital options had not existed. Digitization has not only affected purchasing behavior, but today it is also key to the image and perception that the consumer has of the establishment: For 40% of those interviewed, a restaurant without digital delivery is not updated and outdated, and the 55% say they will continue to use digital devices to order or pay after the pandemic.
Qualification
Consumption in bars and restaurants is recovering, but with new habits
Description
66% of Spaniards have already recovered or plan to recover shortly the frequency of consumption in bars and restaurants that they had before the pandemic, although during all these months the consumer has been acquiring new habits and has been modifying their perception of some aspects.
Author
Gastronomy Journal