Lockdown has prompted a rise in the meat-free diet

The UK has seen a huge rise in demand for vegan and plant-based foods over the last five months, with research seeing figures soar during lockdown and beyond.

Since the beginning of the pandemic veganism has risen by 12% across the UK and by as much as 22% in London. This goes hand in hand with the demand for plant-based produce as law firm EWM reported the number of trademarks for products to have doubled this year, reaching a record high. 107 trademarks were successfully granted for products such as vegan ice cream and meat-free burgers.

Supermarkets have also reported a steady rise in the consumption of plant-based products post lockdown, with some plant-based meat manufacturers seeing their sales double from February to March. The research similarly reflects recent supermarket shortages as 41% of people said they switched to meat free options due to their preferred product not being available on the supermarket shelves.

Aston spoke Alison Lees, marketing manager for Naked Glory to discuss more about the research and bust some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the plantbased diet. 

Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash