The sixth EY future consumer index survey of 14,500 international consumers, found consumers are more worried than four months ago, about their health, their families and future. The Index found the pandemic has made people more concerned about the health of their family, access to necessities, personal finances and basic freedoms. However, the level of this concern varies globally.

Respondents in India and Brazil have consistently been the most concerned overall throughout the pandemic, while people in other countries are now more worried about their family's health than they were four months ago. Respondents in China and Germany said they’re increasingly worried about their finances and freedom to enjoy life since October 2020.

Nearly half of consumers believe post-COVID life will be better than before the pandemic. In fact, the pandemic may have accelerated changes that were already happening that contribute either to a better quality of life or an easier way of living, such as moving out of cities, shopping online more and prioritizing health, affordability and sustainability.

Nearly 91 per cent global respondents intend to take the vaccine, although some countries have more people with reservations than others, such as 15 per cent in the US and 19 per cent in France. Around 56 per cent would be more likely to shop with retailers that require employees to take the vaccine, while 48 per cent of respondents think that those who refuse to take the vaccine are selfish.

Around 58 per cent said they’d be more aware and cautious of their spending in the longer term and 63 per cent said price will be the most important purchase criteria for them three years from now. And 57 per cent aimed to make healthier choices in their product purchases in the longer term.

As many as 56 per cent say they will also be more likely to buy from companies that ensure what they do has a positive impact on society, while 38 per cent will buy more from organizations that benefit society.