We’ve all heard of Dry January, but 2018 also saw the beginning of a new health-based challenge to start the year: Veganuary. A staggering 150,000 people in the UK decided to embark on the challenge that meant no meat or dairy products throughout the whole month.
UK vegans - a growing demand and opportunity
Veganuary only showcases the growing movement of a plant-based diet. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, vegans are thought to make just less than 1% of the UK population – around 600,000. This number sat at 150,000 in 2006. Whether it’s compassion for animals or political and environmental factors, the number of vegans is continuing to grow.
Restaurants embracing veganism
It’s important for restaurants to follow trends and appeal to consumers’ needs. You only need to look at some of the major high-street restaurant’s menus to see how veganism is bringing change. To the joy of those who don’t eat meat or dairy, Pizza Express, Zizzis, Wagamama and Nandos are just some of the restaurants that have added vegan dishes to their menus recently.
Going back a year or two, it was difficult for vegans to eat out without having plain dishes. However, now, the trend has seen restaurants add more adventurous vegan dishes to their menus that may even sound appealing to the meat-eaters.
Adding vegan to the menu
For restaurants looking to add vegan dishes to their menu, it can be difficult to plan out the process. Of course, there is a lot to consider and a lot of it is simply about giving the customers what they want.
Although most will relate vegans to healthy dishes, like all of us, when we eat out, we want to indulge. It would be wrong for operators to solely focus on healthy dishes for their vegan customers. Making the switch to vegan dishes is mainly about understanding your customers’ needs.
UK restaurant furniture suppliers
Each restaurant and bar will have different needs and requirements depending on the image they’re trying to present. Whatever space you are working with, it is nearly always possible to alter the ambiance of a space with careful manipulation of design elements.
Whatever interior your restaurant is looking to create, Trent Furniture can help. Call us now on 0116 2864 911.