COVID-19: Manufacturers survey details record high demand and production

Leading food and consumer goods manufacturers experienced up to 500 per cent increased demand in the last two weeks of March, an all-time high according to a new survey released today. 80 per cent of surveyed manufacturers increased production, particularly for their most in-demand food, cleaning, household, and health products.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) conducted the survey of its members to provide critical insight into business impacts and responses related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Food and consumer goods manufacturers’ extraordinary engagement has been integral to the initial phases of Canada’s COVID-19 outbreak and reaction,” commented FCPC President and CEO Michael Graydon.

“It appears likely the COVID-19 pandemic will entail a prolonged period of uncertainty for Canadian businesses and consumers.  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.”

Key survey findings include:

• Manufacturers are implementing best practices for employee health and facility safety
  • 95% of members report they are receiving adequate guidance from public health authorities
  • 92% of members have moved all or some head office functions to work from home (80% have not set an endpoint, 20% have set 2-4 week timelines).
  • 90% of members have implemented additional measures for employee and visitor screening to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (for example, surveys or checks related to health and travel history)
  • 70% of members have undertaken community support efforts related to COVID-19

• Massive increases in production and up to 5x increase in orders: 80% of members have increased production, with the majority of members reporting orders increased 50 to 100%.
  • Orders were at all time highs in the last two weeks of March
  • 30% of members experienced at least 200% increases, with increases ranging up to 500%.

• Increased production of highest-demand products: 70% of members have focused production on their most in-demand products.
  • FCPC member experience suggests that, overall, the most in-demand products include:
    • Paper products
    • Water
    • Canned Goods
    • Rice
    • Pasta
    • Baby Food
    • Disinfectants/ household cleaning
    • Baking supplies
    • Milk/Eggs
    • Over-the-counter medicine