The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the whole planet with its major impacts on the economy and businesses across the globe. The COVID-19 spread worldwide in unprecedented ways due to its high infectious and contagious nature and lack of availability of its vaccine. Though the emergence of the virus can be traced back to Asia, several European countries along with the U.S. have also been struck massively by the pandemic. The virus has spread across all regions ranging from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa up to South America. The COVID-19 has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its increased spread across the globe. After the declaration of the pandemic, various countries including India, China, and other Asian countries announced complete lockdown to decrease its spread. According to the situation report of 7th June 2021 by WHO, 174 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally and 3.7 million patients are dead due to the coronavirus. On a slightly positive note, a total of 157 million people have recovered and a total of 1.9 million vaccine doses have been administered as well.
According to a report from the Food Authenticity Network COVID-19, the pandemic is causing a rise in global food fraud.
For instance,
With the increase in the global food trade and the expansion of manufacturing units for processed food products, the growers are focusing on ensuring the safety and quality of their food products. This will further fuel the growth of the market.
Impact On Demand
Although the tension of COVID-19 has been noticed in the sector, there were a couple of points that acted as a light at the end of the tunnel. Post the first wave of COVID-19, the global food authenticity testing market is growing as people are getting aware of food safety. People these days highly prefer certified and premium products to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, several governments and food organizations of various countries are taking precautionary measures on food safety and its quality:
For instance,
In this COVID-19 situation, the rising number of initiatives taken by the governmental authorities to promote food safety coupled with rising awareness among consumers will propel the growth of the market. With the rising demand of consumers for food safety, the demand for food authenticity and testing for food to ensure whether the food is safe for consumption is expected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing market.
Impact on Supply Chain
The lockdown restrictions implemented by the government across the globe in 2020 and the continuing restrictions in 2021 have been disrupting the supply chain. This is expected to pose huge challenges for food product manufactures and could negatively impact the growth of the food authenticity testing market.
However, the complex supply chains increase the chances of food contamination due to improper handling, not following HACCP guidelines. Therefore, there is increased demand for food authenticity testing among retailers, manufacturers, and growers, which offers benefits to the food supply chain as it manages safety risks, offers preventive and corrective measures to food safety management, and reduces or eliminates the risk of food recalls.
COVID-19 outbreak has affected every sector in the market, which also includes the food authenticity testing market. The industry has been severely affected due to the disrupted supply and demand in some cases. Several companies are losing their key revenue sources as food services outlets are closed or have been noticing reduced sales. Some companies have closed their production facilities to mitigate potential risks from COVID-19. Many food authenticity testing companies are taking initiatives during COVID-19.
For instance,
- Jessica Burke, GFSI
Gilles Martin, CEO, Eurofins Scientific
ALS Limited
These initiatives could help restore the food authenticity testing market.
Conclusion
The pandemic has taken a toll on every aspect of life including the global economy. With the significant downfalls in various sectors, a collaborative effort of government, industry players, and consumers can win the fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 outbreak has affected every sector in the market including the food authenticity testing market. Some companies have closed their production facilities to mitigate potential risks from COVID-19 which has hampered the market growth. However, increasing demand for certified food products is expected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing market in the forecast period.
Increasing awareness among consumers regarding a healthy and safe diet free from contaminants, allergies, and adulteration is projected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing the market for a long period due to changes in consumer buying behavior and changes in dietary habits. Hence, the global food authenticity testing market is growing as people are more inclined to buy certified food products.
Thus, the impact of COVID-19 is positive for the food authenticity testing market in several nations, and hence the growth is expected to increase during the coming years.