Learn how COVID-19 has heightened global consumer perceptions of their family’s and their own health.
More than a year has passed since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Consumers’ concerns and behaviors changed seemingly overnight, with much of the change driven by the desire to stay well. FMCG Gurus released their latest COVID-19 Survey1 in February 2021. It explores how COVID-19 has impacted consumers’ perceptions of health across the globe, ranging from consumers’ top concerns to their preferred supplements to their growing interest in functional foods.
The data shows that global consumers’ concerns about COVID-19 are still running high. Concerns are highest in Brazil (with 55% concerned and 14% very concerned), followed by Mexico, the U.S., Germany, France, Canada, China, and Japan. In all countries surveyed except China and Japan, more than half of consumers remain concerned about COVID-19.
The prolonged pandemic has led many consumers to consider the need for a more comprehensive approach to maintaining their health and immunity that will work over the long term.
For many, the COVID-19 situation served as a wake-up call, motivating them to evaluate their lifestyles and priorities. Rather than relying on a pill as a quick fix, an increasing number of consumers are asking themselves how they might improve their diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management to best take care of themselves.
The pandemic has led to an increased awareness by consumers of the importance of immune system health, and signs indicate this interest may persist. Formulating with the right vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and food ingredients that consumers expect from immune-support products is a key opportunity for manufacturers to address this growing need.