Research into shoppers’ habits carried out by Central England Co-operative revealed that customers tend to explore healthier options as part of New Year’s resolutions.
Building on this trend, the society is promoting a range of options for shoppers wanting to try vegan products during Veganuary.
A campaign aiming to inspire people to try vegan for January and throughout the rest of the year, Veganuary is expected to attract 300,000 people across the UK.
The research undertaken by Central England involved over 200 food stores spread across 16 counties. It revealed that more and more people are becoming aware of the vegan lifestyle with many consciously reducing their levels of meat.
If at new year some of the most popular products were wine, bottled water, limes, flowers, crisps, batteries and painkillers, in January healthy food will likely be in the spotlight.
To meet the increased demand, the society will have a range of vegan options available, including Vegan Roasted Vegetable and Lemon Pasta, Moroccan Spiced Falafel, a Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seed Pasta Bowl, Falafel and Houmous Wrap and a Veggie Bubble & Squeak Fritter Sandwich.
Ready meals include Cauliflower, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry, Pan Asian Vietnamese Butternut Curry with Rice and American Three Bean Chilli and Rice, and there are puddings such as Frozen Apple Strudel or Chilled Tiramisu and Chocolate and Salted Caramel Pots.
Central England’s vegan-friendly products also include snacks such as Free From Rocky Road Stackers, Millionaire Crispy Stackers and Jammy Wheels, as well as a wide selection of award-winning wine and fizz suitable for vegans. All Co-op vegan-friendly products are clearly labelled as such to make it easier for people to shop.
The society has also released research which shows that customers opted for drinking more water after the end of the festive period. January 2018 sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Still Water increased by 20% compared to the first month of the previous year while sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Sparkling Water were up by 28%.
Sales of salad vegetables also increased particularly for whole cucumbers, which witnessed a 59% increase year on year, and peppers, up by 41%.
Similarly, sales of non-alcoholic drinks increased an average of 23% in January 2018 compared to the previous year, a trend likely to continue.
Head of product and category Martin Hill said: “Shoppers’ choices are clearly influenced by the desire to be healthier as the new year begins. Central England Co-operative offers a great range of fruit and vegetables, healthy convenience foods and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from in order to help customers in their new year health kick.”
