Third of shoppers ‘seek vegetarian symbol’

A third of UK shoppers look for an on-pack vegetarian or vegan symbol, according to a new survey.

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, the Vegetarian Society believes it is 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, the Vegetarian Society stressed that its own accredited trademark labels are already familiar to over a third of all shoppers (37 per cent).

When it comes to vegetarian and vegan consumers, almost eight out of 10 (77 per cent) reported that they often or always check for a Vegetarian Society label before making a purchasing decision.

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.”