UK foodservice sector embraces plant-based innovations and sustainability

UK foodservice sector embraces plant-based innovations and sustainability

Industry News
sustainability Plant-based Vegan Vegetarian

The UK foodservice industry is seeing a surge in plant-based innovations, with leading retailers and companies enhancing their product offerings to meet the rising consumer demand for sustainable and affordable options.

In recent developments within the UK foodservice sector, a notable focus has emerged on sustainable and plant-based innovations, alongside collaborations aimed at enhancing product offerings and sustainability practices.

Discount retailer Lidl has made a significant move in the plant-based market by launching 28 new affordable products, including options such as Meat Free Cordon Bleu, Barista Oat Milk, and Smoked Tofu, with prices starting from £1.09. This initiative aligns with the growing consumer demand for accessible plant-based foods.

Brakes, a prominent British foodservice wholesaler, has expanded its plant-based portfolio with nearly 40 new products, further solidifying its commitment to offering diverse vegan options. The company has also established a Vegan Hub specifically for Veganuary, promoting a range of plant-based offerings to consumers.

Meanwhile, London-based Tofu Vegan has opened its fifth restaurant location on Gloucester Road, indicative of the growing popularity of plant-based dining options in urban areas. In addition, plant-based milk brand Mighty has introduced caramel and chocolate flavours to its oat milk powder range, diversifying its product lineup.

The House of Lords has acknowledged cultivated meat as a valuable opportunity in engineering biology. This recognition comes with a call for improved regulation of such products, as outlined in a report from its Science and Technology Committee. This initiative reflects the UK government's increasing focus on modern food technologies.

In the realm of partnerships and innovations, the University of Nottingham has joined forces with UK plant-based food company Jampa’s and Canadian manufacturer Tartistes to develop next-generation vegan products, receiving funding from the UK-Canada Innovate UK scheme. This collaboration aims to advance plant-based food technology and enhance product offerings in the market.

In other news, Emirates Airlines has introduced a selection of vegan meals for children, which includes pizza, vegetable fajitas, cauliflower bites, and strawberry crumble. This development adds to the airline's extensive array of plant-based options, exceeding 300 items.

Belgian agrifood company Arvesta has launched Nuverta, a plant-based protein facility in Mettet that will initially focus on producing pea protein concentrate. This development signifies ongoing investment in plant-based protein production capabilities.

These initiatives are part of a broader trend within the UK foodservice industry, where the rising popularity of plant-based diets and sustainable practices is becoming increasingly central to both consumer preferences and corporate strategies. As businesses respond to these shifts, the food landscape in the UK appears set to evolve significantly in the coming years.

Take a look at our 2024 Vegetarian and Vegan winners below:

All Year Round Vegan Desserts and Snacking:

  • PopCornaa Seaweed, Wasabi and Soy Popcorn: Gold
  • Jessica Bakes-Well Apple Pie Cookie Mix:  Silver
  • Crawford's Rock Seaclaid: Bronze

All Year Round Vegan Meal Centres:

  • Aldi Veggie Menu Potato, Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash Rosti with Mixed Vegetables & Pesto Melt:  Gold
  • Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers 2 Sweet Potato & Avocado Burgers, ABP: Gold
  • Better Nature Mediterranean Tempeh Pieces:  Silver
  • Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers 2 Katsu Style No Chicken Fillets, ABP: Silver
  • Tesco Plant Chef 2 Meat-Free Burgers with Melting Middle, ABP: Bronze

All Year Round Vegan Store Cupboard

  • Greens Complex, Berry Boost: Bronze

All Year Round Vegetable Antipasti:

  • Quorn Vegetarian Chicken & Sweetcorn Deli Filler, Freshpak Chilled Foods: Bronze

All Year Round Vegetarian Meal Centres

Cathedral City Our Cheese & Onion Crispbakes Bronze

Foodservice Vegan Products and Alternatives

  • Sysco Premium Fishless Fishcake, Brakes: Silver