Summer category sales a Covid casualty again, consumer companies fear impact will continue till June
Industry executives fear the impact could linger till June. With most factories shut or operating at skeletal levels, there will be supply issues, even if the local curfews are lifted.
Synopsis
This summer’s dismal sales will come on the back of last year’s national lockdown that began at the end of March and lasted for two months. As per industry estimates, sales of Rs 20,000-25,000 crore will be impacted across categories.
For the consecutive second year, the ‘summer categories’ of cold beverages, ice-creams, air-conditioners, coolers and refrigerators are badly hit, with sales likely to be less than half of what they were in April-May 2019, as the tidal wave of infections and local curfews in large parts of the country force people to stay indoors, avoid consuming cold food items and focus on health.
“Unlike last year, rural markets are also getting impacted in
