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Evolution of food e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 15 p.

Author Reardon, T.; Tomatis, F.; Pedersen, E.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Policy brief

ISBN 978-92-5-137435-1

Synopsis (short abstract) This investment brief, prepared by FAO and commissioned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) hones in on the rapid of surge of food e-commerce and in particular, how the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled this growth. It analyses the overall evolution of e-commerce globally and with a specific focus on EBRD area of intervention based on eight city case studies (Belgrade, Casablanca, Istanbul, London, Paris, Rome, Tashkent and Tbilisi). It makes particular reference to the market for fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV), differentiating between the modern and traditional retail sectors in mature and transitional food economies. The brief provides policy recommendations and identifies strategies and key areas of investment that are required for the sustainable development of FFV e-commerce. Governments, particularly urban authorities, must develop and promote a conducive institutional, regulatory and business environment to maximize e-commerce opportunities, while reducing its negative impacts on the urban traditional retail sector and minimizing effects such as traffic congestion and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The brief also calls on retailers to upgrade their business models for e-commerce, reorganize supply chains and establish efficient and environmentally sustainable systems for the delivery of FFV products. This brief urges concentrated and coordinated efforts by the public and private sectors alike, to support the sustainable and efficient development of food e-commerce to improve the resiliency of urban food distribution systems.

See the full list of policy briefs related to COVID-19.

Cite this content as:

Reardon, T., Tomatis, F. & Pedersen, E. 2023. Evolution of food e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investment Brief. Rome, FAO. 




https://doi.org/10.4060/cc3650en

Language English

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