The global vegan food market is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2019 to 2025, driven by increased health consciousness, animal welfare activism and environmental concerns. The number of people identifying as vegan or vegetarian has also increased with the number of vegans in the US up 600% since 2014, according to a report by the Vegetarian Resource Group. The demand for plant-based food has impacted the restaurant industry, with many restaurants now offering vegan and vegetarian options, and some going completely plant-based. Chains including Burger King, McDonald’s and KFC have added vegan options to their menus.
The Rise of Veganism: How Plant-Based Eating is Changing the Restaurant Industry
Introduction
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in plant-based eating, with many consumers opting for vegan, vegetarian, or plant-focused diets. Due to this shift, the restaurant industry has had to change the way they do business, with more establishments offering vegan-friendly options on their menus. This article will explore the rise of veganism, examine how the plant-based trend is impacting the restaurant industry, and discuss the reasons behind the trend.
The Rise of Veganism
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan food market size was valued at $12.69 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2019 to 2025. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased health consciousness, environmental concerns, and animal welfare activism.
Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the number of people identifying as vegan or vegetarian. In a study conducted by the Vegetarian Resource Group, the number of vegans in the United States has increased by 600% since 2014. Furthermore, a poll conducted by Gallup found that 5% of Americans consider themselves vegetarians, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
How the Plant-Based Trend is Impacting the Restaurant Industry
As the demand for plant-based options continues to grow, the restaurant industry has had to adapt. Many restaurants now offer vegan and vegetarian dishes on their menus, and some have even gone completely plant-based. In fact, according to Yelp’s 2021 Trend Report, there was a 500% increase in the number of restaurants labeling themselves as ‘vegan’ on the platform in the past five years.
Large chains such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC have also introduced plant-based options to their menus, reflecting the shift in consumer demand. In addition, new plant-based food companies have emerged, providing restaurants with more options for meat substitutes and other vegan-friendly ingredients.
Reasons Behind the Trend
There are several reasons why consumers are gravitating towards plant-based eating. For some, it is a matter of personal health, with plant-based diets being associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Others are motivated by environmental concerns, as animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
Finally, many consumers choose a plant-based diet due to animal welfare concerns. The documentary ‘The Game Changers,’ which promotes the benefits of plant-based eating for athletes, has been cited as a catalyst for bringing the vegan message mainstream.
Conclusion
The rise of veganism and plant-based eating is having a significant impact on the restaurant industry. With more and more consumers opting for vegan or vegetarian options, restaurants must adapt their menus to reflect this shift in demand. Whether motivated by health, environmental, or animal welfare concerns, it is clear that plant-based eating is here to stay.