Veganism isn’t just having a moment, it’s having a revolution. What once was a relatively niche diet is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the UK. Roughly 1.6 million people in the UK now follow a vegan diet, with many more regularly choosing plant-based alternatives to their favourite treats. Vegan products are not entirely new to the market, however, the recent innovation in products with similar taste and structure to traditional meat and dairy products has been a game-changer. In response to this trend, we’ve seen loads of great new products on the shelf and in our fridges.
We’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of vegan brands. These include Jack and Bry, who make award-winning plant-based meats from Jackfruit, developed to recreate the taste, texture, and flavour of their meat counterparts, but nutritionally better than conventional meats.
What is veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that abstains from consuming all animal-derived products, as well as activities that involve exploiting or harming animals. although the word vegan is used interchangeably with plant-based, the latter refers solely to food rather than the ethical considerations around veganism.
Define your unique selling point
As with all food product marketing, it’s important to identify your unique selling point and communicate it clearly to the audience. While promoting your vegan product, naturally, it will resonate more with vegans. Nonetheless, you can extend your reach to markets whose values and attributes align with your product, even if they aren’t committed to a plant-based diet.
Protecting animals, a lesser impact on the environment and health benefits are all reasons to choose a plant-based product.
Don’t be afraid to show off your personality
The vegan market has grown rapidly, with lots of new and well-established companies vying for attention. The brands that are really killing it tend to be the ones who aren’t afraid to show a bit of personality. Play your cards right and you could be the one sending Piers Morgan into meltdown…
Make sure it looks delicious
Quite unfairly, vegan food often gets a bad rap for taste. It’s been etched into the public conscience that vegans eat a similar diet to a pet rabbit or budgie, when in reality, there’s great vegan food that would give anything animal-based a run for its money. Making sure you include tasty images that are just as mouth-wateringly delicious looking and, tasting of course, as your non-vegan products is essential when creating your vegan marketing strategy.
Connect with the vegan community
The passionate online community are a huge part of the popularity that veganism is currently experiencing. Collaborating with popular influencers and online vegan platforms is a great way to get your new products recognised. Working directly with individuals makes your brand appear more approachable and personable, as well as introducing you to a whole new audience.
Are you looking for help with marketing a new vegan product?
Then you’re in the right place. We’ve been helping food brands big and small to get their products on shelves for decades. Get in touch with the team here at Toast Food for a chat about how we can work together.
