With the number of mobile internet users in Malaysia projected to increase by 5% over the next few years, reaching more than 21 million users, the online sales segment is expected to grow in tandem with this trend, according to a study by Tetra Pak, the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company.
This year, Tetra Pak, which released the 11th annual edition of the Tetra Pak Index recently, focused on the rise of Online Grocery and the unique challenges it presents for the food and beverage industry.
It highlights the insights into the new omnichannel world where smart packaging plays a major role in creating new business opportunities.
The Index noted that Malaysia is one of the leading e-commerce markets in South East Asia, with an impressive *88% growth rate in the online channel for FMCG sales. The online channel captured 1.5% of FMCG sales in Malaysia in 2017, one of the highest shares in South East Asia.
In light of this forecast, the issues of speed, personalization and uniqueness, as well as convenience and environmental friendliness become particularly important.
According to John Jose, Marketing Director, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, “Tetra Pak Index forecasts that the online grocery segment will grow by 17% worldwide from 2017-2022. At the same time traditional grocery outlets, such as supermarkets and convenience stores, will continue to play a major role in the market, but with a much slower growth rate of only 2-5%. The main reason for this difference is that consumers now look for the most convenient channels which let them make purchases anytime and anywhere by using their smartphones. In Malaysia, the online channel is expected to grow significantly in the food category within 3 years, doubling its market share as of today and paving the way for the rapid rise of the online grocery segment.”
Cynthia Su, Business Group Director, Kantar Worldpanel Malaysia has been actively reviewing trends of the online segment in the FMCG industry. “The online channel in the FMCG industry is growing strongly in emerging and advanced countries in Asia, and Malaysia is amongst the fastest growing markets. Currently, the FMCG online channel in Malaysia is dominated by baby and beauty products.
However, the food category has been charting a notable upward trend with one out of every three online shopper purchasing food items, and this rise is expected to continue, shares Cynthia.
The Tetra Pak Index 2018 highlights four major trends for brands to consider in terms of product development to keep up with these challenges:
Convenience is the main driver for online consumers, as time-crunched shoppers look for new ways to make their lives easier. Key opportunities include easy-to-use products which are convenient to consume, keep and transport.
Sustainability is an area which greatly influences consumers’ brand choices. Nowadays people show increased interest in the entire process, from how raw materials are selected to how products are recycled. Consumers also want to know how brands commit to protecting the world.
Personalisation & uniqueness is key to customising the shopping experience. Getting consumers to purchase items online without first seeing and trying them in person creates a challenge which can be addressed through high-quality attractive packaging. Great packaging not only helps to stimulate trial purchases, but also give the fun unboxing experience which may lead to further purchases.
Technology & performance, such as packaging tracking systems, will become a critical factor in boosting efficiency in online grocery logistics. This is crucial, because logistics become increasingly complex as consumers shift towards buying more frequently but in smaller amounts. The use of robotics, AI and data processing are all parts of the solution which is aimed at transforming the supply chain.
Another important element in the online grocery space is Smart Packaging which uses codes to communicate with consumers. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or QR (Quick Response) codes can be read by small scanners or mobile phones.
“Smart packaging features allow brands to connect and provide positive consumer experience which is a key factor in the online grocery shopping. Sharing important information such as production materials, nutrition facts, current promotions and environmental initiatives is only one example of how smart packaging can be used. It opens up all kinds of possibilities for strategic communications and creating a sustainable relationship with consumers in the future,” adds John Jose.
