Food and beverage brands have ramped up their TV advertising in India during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, according to the latest data from BARC India and Nielsen. The sector accounted for 17% of free commercial time (FCT) between the 14th and 24th of March, an increase from a pre-outbreak (11th to 31st of January) share of 15%.
This is the largest increase and puts food and beverage on a par with personal care and hygiene (down from 18% to 17%). Services also accounted for a greater volume of TV advertising, rising from 10% to 11%.
The food...