Lockdowns, restrictions, and closures made for a disastrous year for the food industry. Compared to February of 2020, New Brunswick’s restaurant industry alone saw a loss of 6000 jobs.
The industry faces a long road ahead with the continued uncertainties of the pandemic and a slow rollout of vaccines.
Projections indicate that 2023 is the earliest that businesses could see sales reach pre-pandemic levels, that’s according to Luc Erjavec, the Atlantic Vice President for Restaurants Canada.
While quick-service restaurants have seen a slight dip in business, it’s minor compared to the 30% drop for full service and a 50% plummet by catering services.
Although you may still see several small market food options, what’s happening behind the scenes tells the real story.
65% of the industry is operating at a loss, with another 20% only breaking even.
Now, with sights set on a recovery, businesses will look for the new trends in consumer demands to help them keep the lights on.
“ Things that have risen to the top of why people are going out are safety, local, sustainable and quality, convenience has gone down,” said Erjavec.
A new outlook focused on local products will be substantial for both the restaurant and production sides of the industry.
