4 Major Changes in the Food Industry Amid COVID

The pandemic started last year, and we still can't see the end of it. All individuals and sectors in different industries have suffered enough since then. Most businesses and offices had to halt their operations for a few months as lockdowns throughout the country have been imposed. After a couple of months, as business owners try to stay afloat during the ordeal, a huge industry was thinking of ways to remain operational. Without any other choice, the food industry in Australia has suffered a painful blow as restaurants and food hubs kept closing down due to fewer customers.

Another branch of the food industry, the catering Melbourne services, experienced the same fate. Scheduled events have been cancelled left and right while some have moved into later dates. This sudden occurrence left a lot of people on the unemployment line. As the lockdowns have lifted and some restrictions were put at ease, small events are now allowed, given that the COVIDSafe guidelines are strictly followed.

Amid this pandemic, the food industry is slowly trying to rebuild. And although they were particularly hit, the industry has displayed resilience by finding ways to keep their businesses. Here are four major changes that the food industry popularised to keep up with the demand and protect everyone's safety.

Cashless payment

Customers and business owners are aware that touching cash can be a way of transferring the virus. So, cashless payments are being used more often than it was before. Even if it's food to be delivered or picked up at the store, more and more restaurants are adopting cashless payment. Although cash payments are not completely out of the option, all business is actively promoting a contactless mode of payment.

There are also advantages to these kinds of payment which include easier transactions and convenience. But, it is not easy for the older generation to follow, so many restaurants continue to offer cashless and cash payments.

According to a news article, Australia is forecast to be 98 per cent cashless by 2024 as the worry of being infected by the virus will always linger on the minds of people. Payment options like tap-and-go will also be mostly in the years to come.

Healthier menus

As the virus infection turned into a pandemic real quick, people are getting worried about going out in general. Although masks and social distancing has always been observed, it has been revealed by medical authorities that boosting the immune system is a way to avoid getting infected easily. But, a healthier body does not mean having immunity against the virus.

People are getting more conscious about what they eat and exercising at home. Building vegetable gardens have also been a staple for families as they try to grow their own food. The popularity of plant-based meals and healthier menus for adults and kids have also seen a huge rise.

Waste-free menus

This pandemic opened the people's eyes by taking more care of themselves but also by remaining conscious about the environment. Also, money is real tight during this ordeal so every plate of food is savoured. With these things in mind, restaurant owners are keen on creating sustainable menus that are made from farm-to-table goods or initially from local farmers. By patronising waste-free menus, good food and money are not thrown away.

No shared plates

According to the medical experts, the virus can be transferred through spoons, shared plates and other utensils used in dine-in restaurants. The pathogen can survive for a few hours on the surface which makes it transmissible. So to help avoid the spread of the virus, restaurants have thought of a way to diminish any physical contact between customers and staff.

All of these changes in the food industry is believed to remain in post COVID times. As they have been proven effective and working just fine to keep people out of the infection's way.