SURVEY – What Vegetarian and Vegan Shoppers are Looking For

A new 2023 survey shows that 1 in 3 shoppers (34%) across the UK now look for an on-pack vegetarian or vegan symbol when trying to figure out whether a product is free from animal products.

With the plant-based sector in the UK and EU forecast to grow from £3.9bn in 2019 to £6.6bn in 2025, and more people actively looking to reduce meat in their diet, it’s therefore critical that veggie and plant-based food manufacturers make their products and brands stand out and appeal to shoppers, who will often make quick purchasing decisions in store.

While, supermarkets and manufacturers may choose to develop and use their own labelling schemes, this latest survey suggests that the Vegetarian Society’s accredited trademark labels are already familiar to over a third of all shoppers (37%). And when it comes to vegetarian and vegan consumers, almost 8 out of 10 (77%) reported that they often or always check for a Vegetarian Society label before making a purchasing decision.

Hence, if you are looking to introduce new product lines, particularly with National Vegetarian Week running in May, the choice of label could be critical to sales.

Vanessa Brown, Head of Business at the Vegetarian Society said: “For over 30 years our trademarks have been helping consumers to choose your products when they’re shopping. We accredit a wide range of vegetarian and vegan products and services, from food to clothes to household items to restaurant menus. Chances are you can add one of our trademarks, giving your business a boost!”

To find out whether you could be eligible for a Vegetarian Society vegetarian or vegan trademark label, go to https://www.vegsoc.org/trademarks

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