Israel is becoming the latest country to get its own fully vegan store, inspired by the German supermarket chain Veganz.
Israel is one of the most vegan-friendly countries in the world. It has over 400 vegan-certified restaurants and more vegans per capita than any other country. The new vegan store is the latest development to add to the growing vegan movement in the country.
The vegan store — Green Wave — aims to make veganism more accessible. It will provide fair prices and products which are all completely vegan plus Fairtrade. The shop’s vegan certificate gives assurance to customers looking for vegan products. The owners have plans to open at least five more branches across Israel by next year.
The first branch contains around 4,000 products. This includes vegan milk and cheese substitutes, ice cream alternatives and vegan TV dinners. Especially good for those customers looking for the ease and familiarity of food they would have eaten before changing to a plant-based diet.
“Safe space”
Founders Refael Avraham and Eylon Zakzer believe that the new business is exactly what Israel needs to take veganism to the next level. They describe the store as a “safe space” for vegans as all products will have undergone stringent tests to ensure that they are suitable. The owners will also prioritise stocking those specialist products from small business vegan producers. Often these small, niche products can’t yet be found in major supermarket stores.
The store is currently the only fully vegan business in Israel, though it’s unlikely to hold that title for long given the changing times.
Israel follows other countries with vegan supermarkets in major cities. Consumers are increasingly looking to make their shopping experience easier by not having to check ingredients list for suitable products. London, Berlin, Melbourne and most recently Paris all now have fully vegan stores. Tel Aviv can add its name to that list.