Food establishments learn to be agile amid pandemic
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Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, the food and beverage industry has nevertheless learned valuable lessons in flexibility and labor retention.
Accommodation and food establishments saw revenues decline by 19 percent in 2021 to VND398 trillion ($17.3 billion), according to data from the General Statistics Office.
The southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau reported the steepest decline of over 50 percent, followed by HCMC at more than 46 percent. In Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces and Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Da Nang cities, the decline was 14-23 percent.
According to the ranking company Vietnam Report, over 90 percent of businesses in the F&B industry was seriously affected by the pandemic in 2021, especially in terms of logistics, distribution, and labor safety.
Some 35 percent also faced challenges related to rentals and labor availability.
A spokesperson for the Dau Homemade restaurant chain said a widespread difficulty the industry faced amid the pandemic was a labor shortage. To retain workers, his chain arranged working shifts more appropriately and did not cut salaries, he said.
During nearly half a year of stay-at-work, Dau Homemade and Gong Cha milk tea chains covered their workers’ basic daily expenses and regular Covid testing fees.
A spokesperson for Dai Moc Food, which supplies food to factories and hospitals, said besides taking care of employees, it is also necessary to take care of their loved ones so that they are at ease while working.
Dai Moc provided fresh food to employees’ families, visited them, and paid salaries in advance if workers asked for them, he said.
Dau Homemade switched from the restaurant business to foodstuff production and vegetable sales.
Besides ensuring product quality, Gong Cha has focused on training employees how to deal with Covid-related situations such
Questions & Answers
Q.Which provinces and cities experienced the most significant revenue declines in the food and beverage industry?
Which provinces and cities experienced the most significant revenue declines in the food and beverage industry?
Ba Ria, Vung Tau reported the steepest decline of over 50 percent, followed by HCMC at more than 46 percent. Other areas like Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Da Nang saw declines of 14-23 percent.
Q.What were the primary challenges faced by over 90 percent of F&B businesses during the pandemic?
What were the primary challenges faced by over 90 percent of F&B businesses during the pandemic?
Over 90 percent of businesses were seriously affected in terms of logistics, distribution, and labour safety. Also, about 35 percent also faced difficulties related to rentals and the availability of staff.
Q.How did Dau Homemade and Gong Cha support their employees during the 'stay-at-work' period?
How did Dau Homemade and Gong Cha support their employees during the 'stay-at-work' period?
During nearly half a year of 'stay-at-work', both chains covered their workers’ basic daily expenses. They also paid for regular Covid testing fees to ensure employee well-being.
Q.What innovative business shift did Dau Homemade implement during the pandemic?
What innovative business shift did Dau Homemade implement during the pandemic?
Dau Homemade adapted its operations by switching from its traditional restaurant business model. It transitioned to focus on foodstuff production and the sale of vegetables instead.
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