Independent food and drink brands are benefiting from an uplift in sales since lockdown, new research reveals.
Brits’ shopping and spending habits have changed dramatically lately, it seems. Demand for clothing has dropped by two-fifths (YouGov) and almost a quarter of people (24%) have stopped buying electronics completely (Internet Retailing).
But research has found overwhelming support for independent food and drink brands, as 66% of consumers purchased or recommended independents’ products during the lockdown. Fifty per cent of shoppers said they would be willing to spend five to ten per cent more on independent brands, even as the UK faces a deep economic recession.
Jaime Gee, managing director of agency Jam, which carried out the survey, said: “It’s clear from our research that consumers are ready to start spending and indulging on food and drink. This is fantastic news for the industry, and the perfect time for brands to make consumers aware of their unique products, to help increase market share and build a loyal customer base.”
The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 consumers, has been compiled into an industry paper which can be downloaded here.
