Pandemic shift towards grocery delivery to become permanent, new report predicts

The growth in home delivery of grocery items induced by the COVID-19 pandemic is set to continue once the crisis ends, a new report by HIM & MCA Insight predicts.

While 29 percent of shoppers are shopping online for food and drink more than before the lockdown began, 20 percent of these shoppers plan to continue to use grocery delivery services more even when lockdown has ended, the UK Recovery Report 2020 has found.

Among the 25-34 year olds, this number rises to 36 percent.

The 75+ year-olds have also increased their use of online grocery, thanks to the prioritisation of delivery slots for the elderly and vulnerable.

Online food delivery platforms like Deliveroo and UberEATS are also increasing their share in grocery delivery, with 12 percent of shoppers ordering groceries through such platforms.

Of those already using delivery apps more for grocery shopping, 5 percent expect to continue to do so once lockdown ends.

“We don’t expect this growth to be short-term, with increased usage of grocery online set to be a legacy behaviour in the aftermath of coronavirus,” commented Blonnie Walsh, head of insight at HIM & MCA Insight.

“More consumers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, are now versed in the process and retailers are better able to cater to demand.”

The recently launched Covid-19 Impact Survey by the Association of Convenience Stores has also identified the strong growth of home delivery in the sector, with 62 percent of stores now providing some form of delivery service.

Easing of some terms and conditions from delivery platforms has also helped convenience retailers to offer the delivery service.

“Many convenience stores have quickly adapted their offer to serve their local communities. With a significant proportion of shoppers planning to continue using online shopping for food and drink more even once lockdown eases, maintaining loyalty now is key to sustaining high demand and footfall once existing measures start to ease,” Walsh added.