The Country Range Group has launched the first in a series of Menu Solution Guides for 2021 with the opening brochure focusing on the driving forces behind plant-based food and how caterers can profit from its growing rise in popularity in the UK & Ireland.
Launching to customers and chefs in January through the CRG member sales teams, the Group’s social media channels and its Stir it up Magazine, the guide features key information for caterers to support them in adapting to the trend, including appealing plant-based options and how to promote their menus to customers, pupils or residents, as well as providing inspiration with a host of recipes for delicious plant-based dishes.
Topics also covered in the guide include the key driving forces behind the popularity of plant-based food, the impact of the trend specifically on the education, hospitality and care sectors, how to utilise ingredients such as sea vegetables within menus, biodiversity, and the science and technological advances facing the plant-based industry.
Although campaigns such as Veganuary have helped drive the increased focus upon the benefits of a vegan diet and shone a light on the category to the wider public, it’s not just vegans or vegetarians who are driving the trend in plant-based food with Kantar Insights showing that 93% of plant-based meals are currently eaten by non-vegans. With approximately 22 million people now identifying as being flexitarian, it’s clear that consumers nationwide are now reducing their meat intake as part of a broader clean living, health-focused lifestyle trend.
Emma Holden, Marketing Controller at the Country Range Group, said: “Most people assume it’s just vegans who are looking for and eating plant-based food but the trend is driven by a much wider audience and for a variety of reasons.
“Whether it’s the care, education or hospitality sectors, it’s vital that foodservice caterers are proactive and adapt their menus to suit the changing demands of their customers. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions have only accelerated this plant-based focus with the Vegan Society revealing that 1 in 5 consumers cut back on meat consumption during lockdown.
“The guide is packed full of key information on how caterers can seize the commercial plant-based opportunity with plenty of top tips and recipe inspiration, not just for January but for the whole year.”
For further details and information on how suppliers and industry organisations can get involved in the rest of the series, contact enquiries@countryrange.co.uk.
About Country Range
With over 25 years of heritage servicing the UK’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 12 independent wholesalers – Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, EFG Foodservice, Harvest Fine Foods, Henderson Foodservice, Savona Foodservice, Thomas Ridley Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner Price.
In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also provides over 800 products, all developed exclusively for professional caterers under the Country Range brand. Covering grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food, Country Range is widely recognised by caterers as a trusted and reliable brand delivering consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour.
Website: www.countryrange.co.uk
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk
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Hospitality & Catering News: Plant-based food to increase profits for caterers in 2021 – 22 December 2020 – Plant-based food to increase profits for caterers in 2021.
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