Hot Drinks in Colombia

COVID-19 impact on hot drinks

The hot drinks market saw a positive and performance in terms of both retail value and volume growth in 2020, with improve performances compared with 2019. This was due to the aggregated effect of consumers stockpiling these products during the first quarter of the year, and the idea that hot drinks provide comfort and a sense of well-being during the period of lockdown.

COVID-19 country impact

While restrictions were lifted in many places during early summer 2020, a nationwide stay-at-home order remained in effect in Colombia several months after first being implemented. The country’s 6-month lockdown was devastating on many levels, and frustrated citizens turned to violence, with attacks on medical professionals not uncommon.

Company response

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers worked to strengthen the coffee culture at home, programming virtual coffee tasting events offering advice and teaching consumers about coffee. Juan Valdez and many other specialty coffee providers offered online coffee tasting experiences in 2020 in an effort to overcome the constraints arising from lockdown restrictions.

Retailing shift

Distribution was relatively normal during the COVID-19 crisis in Colombia. Food and drink suppliers were under the exceptions of free circulation.

Foodservice vs retail split

Foodservice saw a strong decline in 2020, as the majority of such outlets closed due to lockdown restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19. However, some coffee bars and smaller on-the-go outlets located in grocery stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets were able to open, fulfilling all the protocols established by the Ministry of Health.

What next for hot drinks?

COVID-19 did not have a particularly negative effect on hot drinks in 2020. On the contrary, stockpiling and a trend towards preventive health strategies generated higher than average growth rates.

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