China is now entering the recovery phase of post-COVID-19 life, while carefully managing the risk of a “second wave”.
UPDATES
- There are still new confirmed cases reported in China. Areas that are considered of medium-risk in China, including two districts in Harbin, the city of Suifenhe in Heilongjiang, two districts in the southern city of Guangzhou and Jiaozhou city in eastern Shandong province.
- In order to contain the further spread, on 22 April, Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang, starts banning entry of non-locals vehicles. Currently, this province has the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in China, which mainly involved people who travel across the Russian border.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- In addition to shopping behaviour, the COVID-19 is believed to impact the food consumption behaviour too. In China, people are becoming more careful and rethink of their diet structure, including the consumption of meat and meat products, which might boost the promotion for the plant-based protein. This month, in China, some fast food companies start to offer plant-based meat as an alternative menu option to tap into the new consumption trends.
- Apart from plant-based protein, the demand for health foods has been increased in this period, and it is expected to continue to grow since people are placing more focus to health and disease prevention.
- In addition to food products, a strong demand for fresh produce, including fresh kiwi has been observed amid of the COVID-19.