The vegan lifestyle has grown considerably within the past few years, and with this number increasing year-on-year, all sectors must keep up with the trend or face losing out.
Whilst the number of vegans in the UK is speculated, The Vegan Society cite that there were 600,000 vegans in the UK in 2018 – with Veganuary seeing 250,000 participants this year, the number of people sticking with the vegan lifestyle will have increased drastically within the past month, too.
In response to the growing number of vegans in the UK, the catering industry has spoken out about how the hospitality industry has adapted to the popularity of veganism.
Neil Pattison, director of caterer.com, said: “The rise of veganism is showing no signs of slowing down, with a record 250,000 people worldwide signing up to the Veganuary movement this year. Veganism has turned from a niche trend to a popular way of life, and many industries are adapting to meet the rising demand for meat and dairy-free dishes.
“The hospitality industry has seen a 123 per cent rise in vegan-specific job roles over the past 12 months alone, showing businesses are seeking specialised skill sets in addition to changing their menu options.”
He continued: “At a time when industries are facing increasing challenges, with more than half (57 per cent) of hospitality businesses already feeling early onset Brexit effects, this is a testament to how quickly the hospitality sector listens and adapts to changes in the market.”
Over the past few months, many chain restaurants have been making new vegan options permanent fixtures to their menus. The Pizza Hut BBQ jackfruit pizza exceeded sales targets proving the demand, and prompting it to become a lasting addition, along with Zizzi, Turtle Bay, Papa John’s and more.