YouGov survey: More than half of UAE consumers will continue to shop online

YouGov 's 2021 International FMCG Report: Consumer Goods in Crisis analyzes changes in shopping behavior in 17 markets around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report is based on more than 18,000 interviews and explores a range of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global FMCG industry.

In the 17 markets surveyed, most consumers said their shopping habits had changed during the pandemic. The report said the pandemic did not seem to stop people from going to supermarkets. On average, 81% of consumers in the 17 surveyed markets bought groceries or household essentials in stores in the month before the survey. That being said, a large portion of people still buy household items online.

In the UAE, three quarters (75%) of people have shopped in-store during the pandemic, while nearly half (54%) have shopped online: either via home delivery or in-person pickup. Home delivery is more popular than in-person pickup in all markets except France. In the UAE, there is a 27 percentage point gap between consumers who chose home delivery (38%) and those who picked up in-person (11%).

Additionally, nearly two-thirds of UAE consumers claim to support local businesses and buy more sustainable products after the pandemic ends (66%).

In terms of FMCG impact, across 17 markets, 35% of people said they would eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, with only 6% saying they would eat less. In the UAE, people are eating more fresh food (58%), but consumption of junk and frozen foods remains the same.

Imran Ahmed of YouGov said : “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities for brands in the FMCG sector. In the UAE, there has been a clear focus on healthier consumption choices and a clear shift towards more remote purchasing options. Whether these changes will be long-term or short-term remains to be seen, but it is clear that FMCG players will benefit from a deeper understanding of consumers and will be better able to respond to changing customer preferences.”

middle East