What changed in people's minds when it came to making buying decisions in 2020 (besides trying to find toilet paper)? Not so much the mechanisms they used, like buying more online, but what drove them? Will these trends continue? How does it relate to wine?
Sustainability / organic / ethical
It seems responsible consumerism has become a bit more important. Localism, also, as sometimes items shipped in just weren't as available. The wine biz has been touting sustainability and organic for a while.
Health / Wellbeing
Trying to avoid Covid pounds because of inactivity has led to more calorie and carb counting. Probably why seltzers have taken off in sales. Wine might have an issue here if many consumers decide they need "healthy" alcoholic drinks. Some health professionals are worried about "pandemic drinking" and if it will continue.
Comfort
In times of stress having things from your past that make you comfortable helps. For wines, I assume that's brands and varieties you feel safe with.
Indulgence / Experimenting
If you're staying at home and not going out to eat or on vacation maybe you figure you deserve an indulgence or two (assuming you're still working). Opposite of comfort, you might go with something new and novel. Personally, I started ordering wines from out-of-state wineries to try something different. A big deal for me as I almost always only bought wines I have tasted first at wineries. I was flying blind and enjoying it.
Easy to obtain
If you're locked down, goods have to be easy to obtain, and that usually meant via the Internet. How much permanent boost online shopping got is still anyone's guess. It will be interesting to see winery online sales numbers for 2019 vs 2020 vs 2021.
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