Asian consumers to eat at home more frequently: survey

Amongst markets in the region, Hong Kong has been taking out food the most.

Most consumers across 11 Asian markets would eat at home more often than before the outbreak, according to a survey by data analytics firm Nielsen.

This is led by mainland Chinese consumers, where 86% expressed that they have re-prioritised eating at home. Likewise, 77% in Hong Kong plan to eat at home more often, as well as 62% in South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The study noted that there has been a high demand for convenience and safety as consumers are forced to re-think about food options without compromising their health. Hong Kong showed the highest preference for takeaway food at 46%.

Similarly, 42% of consumers from South Korea and Thailand are choosing the food delivery option more often than before the pandemic event.

“Taking a closer look at Hong Kong, whilst we expect digital channel usage for buying products needed on a daily basis to be less likely sustainable over the next six-nine months, we do expect a surge in demand for take-away food and food delivery service will continue,” the firm said.

In Hong Kong, the average weekly frequency for dining out has declined from 3.7 times to 2.86 times. In contrast, the frequency for take-away and delivery rose to 4.3 times from 3.31 before the pandemic, and cooking at home increased to 6.54 times from 4.77 over the same period.