The COVID pandemic has marked us forever and has also left its mark on the consumption habits of Spanish households. Discover what has changed in our way of shopping during these months.

Online shopping skyrockets

Since the beginning of the crisis and until the end of April, online purchases have grown by 86.6% according to data from the Nielsen consulting firm. 11.5% of people have made their first online purchase during the quarantine. New digitized buyers, with a more traditional profile, to whom the situation has pushed them to opt for online commerce, discovering its great advantages. An unprecedented situation and a trend that experts thought would take years to reach Spain. In terms of food, Internet sales have increased by 45% between April 5 and May 7, a growth well above that of other products.

Bet on more sustainable and local products

According to Kantar consulting 73% of the population prefers healthier foods from local producers, therefore more sustainable. Those over 65 years of age are the ones who consume local products the most, in fact 90.2% say so. An option seen as a solidarity decision to support the business community as part of the solution to reduce the impact of the economic crisis and help its neighbors. This has also led to an increase in purchases in neighborhood stores and local businesses, which has grown compared to purchases in large stores.

The purchase of organically produced food grows

COVID-19 has made us reflect a lot and concern for health and the environment has also become a priority for many consumers who have seen that ecological options have a double benefit for our health and for taking care of the planet at the same time. Several studies have highlighted this global trend. In Spain we have seen how Local organic commerce has increased its sales exponentially and in countries like France studies published by Nielsen They claim that the organic sector has grown by 22%, 40% and 63% for three consecutive weeks. Great news, without a doubt.

The group of consumers between 18 and 45 years old is the one that most opts for the consumption of organic products according to the survey 'Shopping Habits and COVID-19‘ which segregates the results by age groups, and which has been carried out by the Consumers Union of the Valencian Community. 59% claim to have included these types of products in their shopping basket during confinement.

Reduce cash payment

A clear change in trend is marked by the reduction in the cash we handle. The intention to minimize risks when paying in establishments has led us to opt for payment methods such as credit cards, Bizum, mobile payment...

Cash withdrawals at ATMs fell 68% during the month of March, according to a survey carried out by the digital bank N26. The consulting firm Capgemini points out in a report that 47% of Spaniards claim to have increased the use of digital payments during the pandemic and 48% indicate that they will continue to do so in the next 6-9 months.

Home delivery

This will no longer be the preserve of fast food companies.

Another consumer trend that is here to stay is home delivery of food. On the one hand, the delivery of fresh food at home to people who cook daily, which has increased by up to 37% according to Fooduristic. On the other hand, the option of receiving already prepared food at home thanks to the service that many hospitality establishments, forced to reinvent themselves and look for alternative forms of income during the pandemic, have launched.

Do you see yourself reflected in these trend changes? What new habits have you adopted in the way you shop for food that will stick with you?