Supermarket reports a 600,000 increase in veg-led dishes sold in the past year
Increasing numbers of plant-based food shoppers are turning to dishes that make vegetables the star rather than relying on meat alternatives.
That’s according to Tesco, which says it has noticed shoppers are seeking out new plant-rich options, incorporating pulses, nuts, seeds and vegetable-based ingredients.
At Tesco these veg-led foods, as they are known in the industry, represent 40 per cent of all plant-based sales, according to retail analysts IRI/Circana [41 w/e 12 October 2024 versus last year].
The rise is equivalent to nearly an extra 600,000 veg-led dishes sold by the supermarket this year.
Veggie Christmas
A new survey by the supermarket has also revealed that more than 27 per cent of respondents say they will serve or consider prioritising vegetarian or plant-based options as part of their main Christmas fare this year.
As a result of this growing trend, Tesco has focused on Christmas centrepieces that make vegetables the star of the show.
Its offer in the Finest range includes the likes of Roasted Vegetable and Cranberry Star, Butternut Wellington, Chef’s Collection Feta, spinach and celeriac Spanakopita with hot honey drizzle, and Chef’s Collection Handcrafted Winter Vegetable and Three Cheese Pithivier with Salsa Verde.
Tesco plant-based product development manager Fay Hasnip said: “The plant-based revolution is so far the biggest food trend to have taken place this century and right now with chefs in this space creating and celebrating the diversity and deliciousness of plants, it is piquing the interest of plant-curious consumers.
“There is a growing appetite from plant-based shoppers to try products that are plant-rich as well as from flexitarians now wanting to take more control over what they eat, whilst continuing to reduce their meat intake.
“With that in mind we’ve crafted our finest-ever plant-based offering this festive season that we believe will surprise and delight all at the Christmas dinner table.”
