Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the biscuit industry and its export market. With changing consumer behaviors, supply chain disruptions, and economic slowdowns, the industry has had to adapt to new trends and challenges. This article explores the emerging trends in the biscuit industry and the impact of COVID-19 on biscuit exports and B2B trade.
Introduction:
Biscuits are a popular snack item worldwide and are consumed in different forms and flavors. The biscuit industry has grown significantly in recent years, with the global biscuit market expected to reach $115 billion by 2025 (1). However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the industry, leading to changes in consumer behavior and supply chain disruptions.
Emerging Trends in the Biscuit Industry:
The biscuit industry has been witnessing several emerging trends in recent years, such as the shift towards healthier ingredients and the rise of e-commerce. With consumers becoming more health-conscious, there has been a growing demand for biscuits with natural and organic ingredients. The use of sustainable packaging materials has also gained prominence, as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Another emerging trend in the biscuit industry is the rise of e-commerce. With the growth of online shopping, more consumers are turning to e-commerce platforms to purchase biscuits. This trend has accelerated during the pandemic, with consumers avoiding physical stores and preferring to shop online.
Impact of COVID-19 on Biscuit Exports:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the biscuit industry’s export market. With the global travel restrictions and lockdown measures, the demand for biscuits has decreased in many countries. The closure of restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets has also affected the demand for biscuits.
However, some countries have seen an increase in biscuit exports during the pandemic. For example, India has seen a surge in biscuit exports due to the increased demand for packaged food items during the lockdown (2). Similarly, the UK has seen an increase in biscuit exports to China, where the demand for British biscuits has increased due to their reputation for high-quality and luxury products (3).
Impact of COVID-19 on B2B Trade:
The COVID-19 pandemic has also disrupted B2B trade in the biscuit industry. With the closure of international borders and the disruption of supply chains, many businesses have faced challenges in sourcing raw materials and transporting finished products.
The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in B2B trade. With face-to-face meetings and trade shows being cancelled, businesses have turned to virtual platforms to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers. This trend is expected to continue even after the pandemic, with more businesses adopting digital technologies for B2B trade.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the biscuit industry and its export market. With changing consumer behaviors and supply chain disruptions, the industry has had to adapt to new trends and challenges. The emerging trends in the industry, such as the shift towards healthier ingredients and the rise of e-commerce, present opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand their market share. The adoption of digital technologies in B2B trade also offers new opportunities for businesses to connect with potential buyers and expand their customer base.
