As January arrives, so does Veganuary - encouraging people to try a plant-based diet for the month. But what does this trend mean for the food service industry?
Is it a passing fad, or does it present real opportunities for businesses?
Benefits of Veganuary
Re-Invent your Menu
January is the perfect time to test new vegan and vegetarian dishes with "limited edition" options. This allows you to gauge customer interest and identify fan favourites. At the end of the month, you'll have some great data to add the most popular dishes to your menu, labelled as "back by popular demand".
Use Veganuary as a trial period to experiment and shape the future of your menu.
Discover New Ingredients
With so many high-quality vegan products available, it's never been easier to create delicious dishes. Novo Farina's Quick Hydrate Pea Mince is a fantastic ingredient for pubs and restaurants, offering a versatile way to recreate hearty classics like sheperd's pie, lasagne and chilli - with a plant-based twist that doesn't compromise on flavour or texture.
Schools can easily offer plant-based options with Quorn's Vegan Nuggets, a popular choice among younger diners. Moving Mountain's burgers and sausages are another great addition, providing hearty, satisfying meals that cater to a wide audience, including care homes.
Whilst crafting new plant-based dishes, you might find versatile ingredients that can enhance your regular menu. It's a win-win: fresh ideas for Veganuary and innovative twists for your staple dishes.
Strengthen your Reputation
Embracing Veganuary positions your food service business as forward-thinking and inclusive. By offering diverse, high-quality vegan options, you are not only catering for vegans , but you demonstrate your commitment to meeting the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable dining choices. This not only enhances your reputation within the community but also encourages word-of-mouth recommendations.
With 27% of 2024 participants continuing a vegan diet beyond January, delivering standout vegan dishes is more important than ever to attract new customers and keep them returning long after Veganuary ends.
Veganuary is far more than a passing trend - it offers a unique chance to attract new customers, increases sales and strengthens your business's reputation.
As more people continue their plant-based journeys beyond January, stand out in the food service industry and create dishes for long-term success.
So, why wait? Use Veganuary to shape the future of your menu, delight your customers, and position your food service business as a pioneer in plant-based dining. The benefits go far beyond January - this is your chance to make a lasting impression.