The Changes in Food Consumption Behavior: A Rapid Observational Study of Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: This study aims to identify food consumption behaviour at pre, during, and post-pandemic (possibility).
 Methodology: This study uses a quantitative-based descriptive study approach to explain changes in consumer consumption patterns. Sampling was done by using probability sampling techniques or by a simple random sampling method. Electronic-questionnaire distribution was carried out through the WhatsApp broadcast message application to which 75 respondents responded. Meanwhile, a simple quantitative analysis method is used to calculate several formulas, including mean value, frequency distribution, and percentage.
 Main Findings: The results showed that health, social, and psychological factors influenced the respondent's food consumption behaviour. There are increasing organic food intentions and self-cooking trends. Besides, this study also shows an increasing awareness of the importance of aspects of health, quality, and food safety in choosing food.
 Implication/Applications: This research can be used as a theoretical reference, especially related to the factors that influence eating behaviour during a pandemic. Also, the results of this research can be used by culinary businesses to design strategies to survive the Covid-19 pandemic by adjusting products, innovating, and improving product quality based on consumer needs.
 The originality of the study: The paper is original, and this is the current study to examine the food consumption behavior of local communities in the pandemic issue.

Food consumption habits of consumers in the Philippines: Changes amidst the pandemic

“…A series of studies and surveys worldwide indicate that COVID-19 lockdown has influenced the psychological well-being of the population [17]- [19]. Some of the study's results are linked to shifts in people's eating habits following the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an increase in the pattern of cooking at home, an increase in the intention of consuming organic food, an increase in food health knowledge, and an increase in the value of food quality and protection [1]. Ergo, customers spending habit is influenced by demographic, social, cultural and psychological factors [1], [15].…”

“…Some of the study's results are linked to shifts in people's eating habits following the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an increase in the pattern of cooking at home, an increase in the intention of consuming organic food, an increase in food health knowledge, and an increase in the value of food quality and protection [1]. Ergo, customers spending habit is influenced by demographic, social, cultural and psychological factors [1], [15]. Consumers search for products, which have images compatible to their perceptions of self [20].…”

“…It is projected that the post-pandemic period will be 3% higher than the pandemic period. Organic food is food that is not genetically engineered and is grown without the use of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizer [1], [22].…”

“…The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused the world trouble and uncertainties. Because of its rapid widespread, it was tagged extremely infectious as it caused severe respiratory infection that might lead to death [1], [2]. As such, COVID 19 pandemic also affected the spending patterns of consumers entire the globe.…”

“…People have started to focus on food health issues. They become more specific about the food quality they consume on a daily basis [1], [4]. With all these concerns, people need to maintain immunity against the disease.…”