Record numbers show Taiwan food-service sales decline
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Taiwan foodservice sales have slumped by 21 percent year on year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ministry of Economic Affairs data revealed total F&B sales of NT$51.9 billion (US$1.73 billion) this year across the territory, the steepest decline since reporting on sales figures began in January 2000.
A parallel survey of Taiwanese restaurant sales saw a 23-per-cent drop in sales early this month. Figures revealed a downward trend in Taiwan foodservice sales before the government introduced social-distancing measures, with venues serving Chinese cuisine the most strongly affected.
Ministry deputy head of statistics Wang Shu-chuan said that full-month figures for April could see a similar drop of around NT$16 billion ($532.5 million).
General retail sales for the first financial quarter this year dropped 0.6 percent from last year to NT$924.5 billion ($30.8 billion), with revenues for March hitting NT$290.6 billion ($9.7 billion), down 3.4 percent. At the same time, e-commerce operators saw sales rise 19.1 percent year on year to NT$81.1 billion ($2.7 billion) during the first quarter.
Questions & Answers
Q.What was the total value of food and beverage sales in Taiwan for this year?
What was the total value of food and beverage sales in Taiwan for this year?
Total food and beverage sales across Taiwan reached NT$51.9 billion (US$1.73 billion) this year. This figure represents a 21 percent year-on-year decline in the foodservice sector.
Q.Which specific type of cuisine or venue was most affected by the decline in sales?
Which specific type of cuisine or venue was most affected by the decline in sales?
The decline in sales particularly impacted venues serving Chinese cuisine, which were noted as the most strongly affected segment within the Taiwan foodservice sector.
Q.Did the general retail sector also experience a decline in sales during the first financial quarter?
Did the general retail sector also experience a decline in sales during the first financial quarter?
General retail sales for the first financial quarter decreased by 0.6 percent compared to last year, reaching NT$924.5 billion ($30.8 billion). March revenues alone dropped 3.4 percent.
Q.How did e-commerce sales perform in Taiwan during the same period?
How did e-commerce sales perform in Taiwan during the same period?
E-commerce operators in Taiwan experienced a significant rise in sales, up 19.1 percent year on year. Their sales reached NT$81.1 billion ($2.7 billion) during the first financial quarter.
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