One-fifth of Britons call themselves ‘flexitarian’, as sales of meat-free food sky rockets

Almost two thirds of Britons are already buying more meat-free products now than they did a year ago. It is thought that by 2025 half of the UK population will identify as 'flexitarian'.

RAVEN SAUNT: ‘Sales of meat-free foods have rocketed after middle-class shoppers cut down on animal-based products in their diet. British supermarkets saw a rise of 18 per cent in meat-free food sales over the past year and the sector is now estimated to be worth a £474.5million.

But the rise has actually been caused by non-vegetarians. Only three per cent of the population would describe themselves as vegan which means they do not eat any food that comes from animals, including eggs and cheese. Instead, 21 per cent are flexitarian and so enjoy a mostly vegetarian diet but do occasionally eat meat or fish.

It is thought that by 2025 half of the UK population will identify as flexitarian. Almost two thirds of Britons are already buying more meat-free products now than they did a year ago… Researches at market intelligence company Mintel showed that Britain had now overtaken Germany over as the nation launching the most vegan food products in a year…

The ready-meal meat-free market emerge as the fastest-growing food sector, according to The Grocer magazine. M&S first launched the meat-free range in January earlier this year which has since attracted more than 580,000 customers. Waitrose has also started targeting the meat-free market among its customer base. It recently announced it would be launching ‘vegan tours’ in more than 100 of its stores to offer dietary tips and advice to customers’.  SOURCE…

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