Pandemic purchases: People focusing on comfort foods rather than hygiene, report finds

The coronavirus pandemic has forced people to stay home for the last few months, and their purchasing habits show it, a new consumer report found.

The consumer goods company Unilever, which owns Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum ice cream brands, released a report detailing consumer habits in the first half of 2020, most of which was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The spread of Covid-19, combined with the lockdowns and restrictions that have been implemented in many countries, has led to significant changes in the operating environment in our markets,” the report says. “Consumer demand patterns have been impacted by channel closures, more time spent in the home and the critical importance of hygiene.”

Overall sales declined by 0.1% globally, the report shows. Dining services fell by nearly 40%, with “out-of-home ice cream” sales declining by nearly 30%, according to Unilever.

But one area of growth was “in-home” ice cream sales, which increased by 15% in the first quarter and 26% in the second, Unilever reported. That growth offset the decline in out-of-home ice cream sales, according to Unilever.

As people sit at home watching Netflix with their tubs of ice cream, the numbers show they’re less concerned about their personal hygiene, according to the report.

“Lockdowns in our markets and reduced personal care occasions amidst restricted living, led to lower demand for skin care, deodorants and hair care, which each saw volume and price decline,” the report says.

Underlying sales for beauty and personal care fell by 0.3% overall, according to the report. Unilever’s largest brand, Dove, saw single-digit growth in the first half of 2020, the report said.

Health experts have been pushing for the public to wash their hands more frequently, which led to an increase in “skin cleansing” products — in other words, hand soap, according to Unilever. Because of the demand for hand soap and sanitizer, Suave’s sales grew by double digits, Unilever said.

This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 7:21 PM with the headline "Pandemic purchases: People focusing on comfort foods rather than hygiene, report finds."