Veganuary 2022 – Best of lunch!’s plant-based exhibitors
Veganuary is increasing in popularity year by year. Helping to get more people to try a vegan diet (for the whole of January), the campaign recently announced they had hit 2 million participants since launching in 2014.
The success of the initiative shows the surge in an interest for plant-based foods, and as a result, the retail market is thriving with new plant-based food-to-go products, which is now expanding with innovative ingredients and interesting alternatives. In fact, 566 new vegan products launched into retail for Veganuary last year. As well as this, mainstream lunch spots on the high-street have been busy expanding their ranges to appeal to the vegan market – with some making headline news.
Remember in 2019 when the launch of Gregg’s vegan sausage roll sent Piers Morgan into a frenzie? It wasn’t long after until other food-to-go establishments jumped on the trend. McDonalds and KFC launched their first vegan burger in 2021, and Burger King became the first UK fast food chain to offer Vegan Nuggets…only last week (sorry Piers!).
Other growth areas to note are:
- Vegan and plant-based foods are the fastest-growing category of foods that people are ordering, according to leading food-delivery companies in the United States, Canada and the UK.
- In 2019, nearly one in four products launched in the UK carried a vegan claim. In 2018, this figure was one in six
- In March 2021, Burger King UK CEO Alasdair Murdoch announced the fast-food chain plans to incorporate its menu with at least 50% plant-based options by 2031
- Veggie Pret was turning 70% profits increase within its first two weeks of operation, despite predictions that they would drop by up to 30%.
statistics from The Vegan Society
Vegan exhibitors to see at lunch!
Meat-free and dairy-free are no longer seen as niche dietary requirements as plant-based alternatives are fast becoming a vital part of the ‘food-to-go’ market. This is why a visit to lunch! is essential for finding out what’s new in this thriving market.
lunch! the leading food-to-go show is THE place to source over 300 hand-picked quality suppliers all showcasing innovative products for you to taste, try and discover. The show, taking place on 14-15 September (at ExCeL London) has some exciting plant-based brands already booked in for 2022, with plenty more to come. They include:
“What a fabulous opportunity to put our brand right back into the sight of buyers. We loved meeting quality customers and getting back out there. This is how real business is done – face-to-face where you can build relationships and look customers in the eye. Already booked again for next year.” – Leanne Crowther, Co-founder, Flower & White.
Book a stand for 2022
Stand space is selling fast, so if you’re interested in exhibiting at lunch! 2022, please contact one of our sales team:
Annie, Lindsell, Event Manager
[email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1273 645 164
Vicki Balfour, Sales Executive
[email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1273 645 129
lunch! takes place on 27-28 September 2023 at ExCeL London and is co-located with Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen. Register your interest to attend here.
