Gap in the Market for Vegan Food at Costco

A gap for vegan food in Costco has been found in a new report launched by FAIRR (Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return). The supermarket chain has been identified in the report discussing alternative proteins and the growth and sustainability of proteins.

In the report FAIRR say: “Costco does not address risks associated with its livestock supply chains”. The report continues by talking about the number of rotisserie chickens sold by the company in the US, 83 million, and how the company has not acted upon the environmental impact of livestock, and that there are not any plans to add to their alternative proteins range.

The report says: “Costco has no plans to diversify its protein offerings: Unlike most other retailers in our engagement, Costco’s private brand label, Kirkland Signature, offers only a limited range of dairy substitutes – indicating that alternative proteins is not an area of focus for the company’s product development teams.

“While Costco offers a wide range of external plant based brands, its website does not clearly categorise items as such. Costco has said that it has not received substantial demand from customers to expand these offerings. In the absence of that demand, Costco currently does not plan to do so.”

Tesco was identified as the leading retailer for tackling livestock emissions, acknowledging the risks related to protein consumption and that “plant based diets will be necessary to meet its supply chain targets.” They are also leading the way for product development in response to consumer demand with the release of the Wicked Kitchen brand, with the media coverage and marketing of the brand appealing to people of all diets, not just vegans.

Nestlé was recognised as being a leading manufacturer due to their strong research and development network that are focused on protein innovation, including plant proteins.

 

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