Packaged food sees surge in demand during lockdown in India

Demand for packaged food in India (cheese, noodles, frozen snacks, butter, rice, digestive biscuits, chocolate and lemon) shot up 50-150% in the first three weeks of lockdown, according to the country’s retail chains and main food companies.

Gujarat-based dairy company Amul saw a 30-40% increase in sales of butter, cheese and tetrapak milk, while sales of McVities brand digestive biscuits were up 100%.

Yummiez-branded frozen food producer Godrej Tyson Foods also reported a significant increase in sales but complained of labour shortages and irregular service by cold chain operators.

LT Overseas, which produces packaged rice under the Daawat and Royal brand names, is only able to satisfy a quarter of demand due to supply chain issues.