The impact of COVID-19 on Davao del Sur food industry: A phenomenology of business recovery strategies

Paper ID: Abstract-IEESCon-2023-017

Abstract

Restaurants and associated services were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, operation recovery strategies were adopted by these food business sectors. Using the phenomenology approach, this qualitative research study aimed to investigate the challenges Davao del Sur food businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, business recovery strategies employed during the restrictions, and their insights regarding their experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted involving seven (7) randomly selected restaurants in Davao del Sur. The study revealed that the Davao del Sur food industry encountered many challenges like operation disruption or closure, threats to employment security, and a slump in sales. Despite challenges, the food industry tends to bounce back through employee retention, marketing (promotional strategy), and the extra mile in customer service. Also, the shared insights of the participants include the following themes: acknowledging loss and lessons, being optimistic and open-minded, understanding your cash flow, taking care of your people and your people will take care of your business, being resilient and adaptive to change, and product quality. The food business industry needs to execute a stronger online marketing campaign and enhance online trade practices to promote their products. Given the local market potential of our food business industry, restaurants may participate in training and seminars on effective business management.