April 2020, ZEAL Creative, the UK’s most effective brand activation agency, has launched a new strategic white paper exploring how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected UK grocery shoppers.

‘Brand activation in the Age of COVID-19’ identifies how lockdown has already affected shopper behaviour and the impact it is having on food brands. The white paper also offers strategies for grocery brands to implement to meet shoppers’ needs in this new retail environment.

Key findings from the report include:

• Shopper decisions are influenced by completely new factors
• Value vs. indulgence – economic uncertainty means shoppers seek value for essentials but everyday treats and luxuries have replaced cinema trips and dining out
• When choosing which store to visit, the range has become a key driver, alongside the price
• Grocery shopping is emotional therapy and the ‘value’ of food changes for shoppers

With limited availability already encouraging shoppers to try different products, brands have greater responsibility and are presented with more opportunities to engage new customers. As well as supporting shoppers, ZEAL explores how brands can convert consumers or drive existing customers to sample more products in the range and increase penetration.

Highlights for brands:

• Capture shoppers’ attention with clear product benefits that resonate with their current need states e.g. ‘Fresher for longer’, ‘Can be frozen’
• The emergence of new, and the resurgence of traditional, consumption occasions can reinvigorate brands and drive incremental growth
• Suspension of in-store POS and promotional media makes at-home engagement critical
• Supporting citizens including key workers and food banks is prized, as sustainability becomes less of a priority for now
• Recipe support and creative inspiration for new shared at-home meal occasions is a prime opportunity
• Every brand needs to think like a challenger and big brands can demonstrate true category captaincy

Callum Saunders, Head of Planning at ZEAL Creative, comments: “COVID-19 is the biggest challenge the grocery industry has faced since the Second World War. Our supermarkets have been thrust into the frontline and never before has there been more opportunity or responsibility for Britain’s grocery brands to step up and deliver for the nation.

“Our findings demonstrate how shoppers are behaving and the role retail brands can play in meeting their needs. This is time for brands to step up with deeds not just words. Get this right and not only will brands be playing their part but will be remembered by customers long after the pandemic recedes.”

For a copy of ‘Brand activation in the Age of COVID-19’ please contact ZEAL’s founder and Creative Director, Stewart Hilton: Stewart@zealcreative.com

For further information and media enquiries, contact Westgate Communications on zealcreativepr@westgatecomms.com or call 01732 779 087.

About ZEAL Creative

As the UK’s most effective brand activation marketing agency, ZEAL Creative delivers multi award winning campaigns for brands including Kellogg’s, Pringles, KitKat, McCain and Warburtons.

With unrivalled insight and expertise, ZEAL Creative helps bring brands to life, with campaigns that engage, inspire and motivate consumers into action at key moments on the Path to Purchase.

ZEAL ranked 40^th overall in The Drum’s Top 100 Independent Agencies 2019 and scooped seven awards at the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) 2019 Awards in Europe. The agency has also been ranked 47^th in Campaign’s annual list of the ‘Best UK Agencies to Work for 2020’.

Specialising in FMCG, ZEAL Creative consistently enables its clients to increase penetration, rate of sale and market share. www.zealcreative.com

The post Grocery shopper behaviour in the age of COVID-19 report appeared first on IPM Bitesize.