In the United Arab Emirates, online sales of food and beverages surged by 255 percent during the pandemic.
Since the pandemic tempted the buyers to eat healthily, UAE shops reported a significant increase in organic and fresh food consumption in 2020.
According to research given on the side lines of the Gulfood trade show, the overall sales of healthy food touched Dh1.8 billion ($490 million) last year, up 4.9 percent from the previous year.
Organic produce gained particular popularity, with processed food sales growing by 8.7% to Dhs125 million ($34 million).
according to Dr. Nizami Imamverdiyev of the economic research department, organic dairy products were increased by 17%, and the organic meat and seafood sales were 10% up.
Consumers with food intolerances also raised their purchases, adding roughly 10% more dairy-free and gluten-free items to their shopping carts.
the sales for organic products went up by about 8%, with fruit, veggies, seeds, nuts, honey, and vegetable oil indicating significant growth.
Fruit crush sales also increased by nearly a quarter over a year, but carbonated soft drink sales stayed steady.
Vegetable oil sales may be boosted by the Mediterranean diet, which is often applauded by nutritionists as immune-boosting, while honey is regarded as an excellent powerful antioxidant with antibacterial and antifungal properties.