Food sector realizes strong revenue growth in the corona year

The retail trade realized a turnover growth of 2020% in 5,9. This is the second highest growth of the century, reports the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The measures regarding the corona virus ensure that the differences within the sector are large. The food sector, for example, is posting strong growth, while the non-food sector is reporting an equal turnover.

In the corona year 2020, the food sector achieved a turnover growth of 6,9%, according to new figures from Statistics Netherlands. Turnover in the non-food sector remained virtually unchanged from the previous year. This is mainly due to the measures surrounding the corona virus, according to statisticians.

Total retail sales grew 5,9% last year, which is the second highest growth rate of this century. Only in 2001 was the growth even greater. In addition, online sales increased by no less than 43,5% last year, the highest growth since the start of online sales tracking in 2014.

The differences within the non-food sector are large. Stores with do-it-yourself items, consumer electronics, home furnishings and kitchens and recreational items, among others, achieved record turnovers last year. Many clothing and shoe stores have suffered losses. The food, drink and tobacco shops achieved a 6,9% increase in turnover. Supermarkets generated 7,1% more turnover and specialty stores 5,7%.

December shows shrinkage
Incidentally, the year ended on a low note, because in December a turnover loss of 3,1% was visible in the retail sector as a whole. The reason is probably the strict lockdown we have been in since December 14th. As a result, many non-food stores had to close their doors. The turnover of the non-food sector shrank by 22,6%, while the turnover of food stores grew by 9,3%. In addition, online turnover increased by 58,3% in December.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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