Lockdown life is changing islanders’ attitudes to food and drink, and the hospitality industry is adapting accordingly, says the JHA’s Simon Soar.
‘As life under lockdown continues, it’s been interesting to see people getting used to the new normal. What seemed so alien at first – staying at home and giving up social interaction – is now something we’ve all become very good at. We’ve adapted and part of this new normal is a new relationship with food and drink.
‘In Jersey, we’ve got chefs and bar tenders offering new services by sharing recipes online. You’ve got Will Holland of The Atlantic Hotel sharing demonstrations, and Tom Radiguet from Samphire sharing recipes. Producers are also finding news ways to engage with consumers. For example, Brockmans Gin is sharing #BrocktailsAtHome videos, which is a really effective way of communicating with customers.
‘Because of lockdown, I think that people are looking at food and drink slightly differently. People are ordering more takeaway food, and they’re buying more from local producers and they are shopping locally. There’s an element of community coming out and businesses are tapping into this change in consumer behaviour.
‘Now people can’t go out, it’s almost made them value what the island can offer, in terms food and drink, even more. It’ll be interesting to see how this shift in attitude carries forward to life after lockdown. When restrictions are lifted, will people change the way they eat and drink out? If so, as an industry, we need to make sure we can adapt to this and evolve with our consumers.’
