Topline: COVID-19's impact on food and consumer goods manufacturers

The spread of  COVID-19 in Canada has triggered panic-buying and hoarding, and food and consumer goods manufacturers are working to keep pace.

According to a survey of its members, Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) says orders were at all time highs in the last two weeks of March.

In fact, members reported a 500% increase in demand during that time. And, 80% of those surveyed said they had increased production.

Conducted by: FCPC conducted the survey of its members to "provide critical insight into business impacts and responses related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

Key findings:

• 80% of FCPC members reported normal or manageable pressure on warehouse and freight capacity.


• 75% of members are confident in the supply of raw materials for 2-to-5-plus months, if current trends continue. (Five per cent project possible supply issues within one month; 20% don't expect any issues at any time, even with current trends.)

• 70% of members have focused production on their most in-demand products. These include: paper products, canned goods, rice, pasta, disinfectants/ household cleaning and baby food.

• 95% of members said they are receiving adequate guidance from public health authorities

"It appears likely the COVID-19 pandemic will entail a prolonged period of uncertainty for Canadian businesses and consumers," said FCPC president and CEO Michael Graydon in a press release. "Quantifying the profound impacts of COVID-19 on our production, supplies, and workplaces is critical to making smart preparations for continuing the smoothest possible operations to make the food, cleaning, household and health products Canadians need."