With Veganuary in full swing and plant-based eating at an all time high, we’re seeing more restaurants and pubs offer plant-based dishes for their customers. But in 2022, innovation is key to cater to a growing audience who are now expecting a wider choice of plant-based options on menus…
Veganism isn’t going away anytime soon and continues to grow in 2022. Veganuary’s campaign success over the years (now at 2 million participants) shows the rapid growth rate of plant-based eating around the world. Some reports suggest there are around 3.5 million vegans in the UK alone. Additionally there are predicted around 22 million flexitarians who are choosing to have ‘meat-free’ days or enjoy having plant-based meals for ethical, health or environmental reasons. As a result, veganism is no longer seen as a niche choice, and instead a significant part of the restaurant and pub market.
Adapting to the market, the phrase āplant-basedā is fast becoming a commonplace in new restaurant announcements. Wagamama recently launched their vegan Japanese-Inspired ‘Fish and Chips’ for Veganuary, and boasts a menu that is now 50% plant-based, whilst popular burger chain Byron introduced two new vegan burgers to their menu, using Beyond Meatās iconic ābleeding burgerā. We’re also seeing a rise in specialist vegan pubs and pizzerias opening (The Roundhill Pub and Purezza, for example) as an appetite for traditional, independent meat-free eateries are fast becoming ‘the norm’ in certain parts of the country.
Gone are the days when only ONE vegan or vegetarian option was available. Now, many restaurants are innovating with a wider choice of plant-based offerings on their menus – creating twists on classic meat/dairy dishes with new and interesting ingredients. For example the use of banana blossom for ‘fish’ recipes, jackfruit for ‘pork’ and using aquafaba to imitate eggs. Consumer expectations are on the rise as plant-based choices evolve, which is why a visit to the Casual Dining show is a way to take full advantage of this growing market.
Vegan brands to see at Casual Dining 2022
Casual Dining, the definitive show for the restaurant and pub industry is THE place to source 200 hand-picked quality suppliers all showcasing innovative products for you to taste, try and discover. The show, taking place on 14-15 September, has some exciting plant-based brands already booked in for 2022, with plenty more to come. They include:
“Casual Dining 2021Ā proved to be hugely successful for Moving Mountains. We acquired a fantastic amount of foodservice leads ranging from large companies to small independent businesses. It was a welcomed return to trade events, and we canāt wait to return next year forĀ Casual Dining 2022.ā – Alex Townsend, Marketing Manager, Moving Mountains
Casual Dining takes place on 27-28 September 2023 at ExCeL London and is co-located with lunch!Ā andĀ Commercial Kitchen. Register your interest today.Ā
Stand space is selling fast, so if you’re interested in exhibiting at Casual Dining 2022, please contact one of our sales team:
Eva Ellis, Event Manager –Ā [email protected], Tel: 01273 645167
Ollie Kinghorn, Sales ExecutiveĀ – [email protected], Tel: 01273 645163
