Health Products Most Sought amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The COVID-19 pandemic not only hugely affected the business industry, but also altered consumers’ behavior in looking over personal health, outdoors activities, how to transact, and a plethora of other aspects in life. 

Dr. Megawati Simanjuntak, a lecturer at the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) family and consumers sciences, revealed that health products have become the most sought after commodity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She revealed this during Tuesday's online seminar in welcoming the National Consumers Day 2020. 

“In line with the consumers' survey conducted by Nielsen, health products such as healthy-conscious foods, supplements, nutritious drinks, such as milk and yogurt has become the most sought after items,” she said. “Consumers are now more focused on products that have health values.”

According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) 2020 Big Data Report on the effects of COVID-19, Indonesia’s online sales from February to July 2020 had spiked - 320 percent in March and 480 percent in April - compared to January 2020. The numbers are a comparison to sales early in 2020. 

The Nielsen consumer’s survey stated that 30 percent of consumers plan to shop online more often since the spread of coronavirus. Meanwhile, a McKinsey journal noted consumers’ tendency to prioritize a product’s value over price amidst the pandemic.

Read also: 'Pulling Emergency Brake' Policy as COVID-19 Cases Soar in Jakarta 

ANTARA