Asia has been experiencing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak ahead of Europe and North America, and observing various regional challenges – such as that faced by Japan – can help identify what comes next, says analytics specialist GlobalData.
Mitsue Konishi, senior innovation analyst at GlobalData, comments: “When the effect of COVID-19 became prolonged, consumers searched for products that they thought would protect their health in general. An example from Japan is natto, fermented soybeans that have been lacking in stock consistently since the outbreak.”
“..probiotic products claiming to improve the immune system are likely to grab consumers’ attention”
Natto is known for its health benefits, particularly in terms of lowering cholesterol, and is filled with fibre, probiotics and vitamin K2. Similarly, yogurt – which is generally associated with gut health and immunity – is selling well.
Konishi concludes: “Consumers are more actively buying probiotic products. There will not be natto panic buying in Europe, but probiotic products claiming to improve the immune system are likely to grab consumers’ attention in the UK, as well as Europe.”
Main image: Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans