South African retailers have announced expanded product ranges as consumers increasingly turn to vegan and ‘flexitarian’ diets.<\/p>\n
Both Pick n Pay and Checkers said that they had experienced increased demand for more plant-based options which was now reflected by the products they offered in-store.<\/p>\n
Nicki Russell, head of Innovation and Trend at Pick n Pay, said that its research shows more customers are opting for a \u2018flexitarian\u2019 diet which incorporates more plant-based options and less meat.<\/p>\n
“What started as Meatless Monday has since expanded to include more and more days of the week.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve been working really hard to bring customers new and innovative local plant-based offerings to create a one-shop destination for customers wanting to adopt a more plant-based lifestyle.”<\/p>\n
Checkers said it has also seen a steady uptake in customer requests for more vegan and plant-based alternatives over the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
“Demand for vegan, plant-based, meat-free and dairy-free options continue to grow. Whether a customer is strictly vegan or just cutting down on meat and dairy, we are making sure we meet their needs,” said Willie Peters, general manager of marketing at Checkers.<\/p>\n
Peters said that Google Trends data shows that South Africa is the only African country with a sizeable vegan following.<\/p>\n
“Checkers will always be guided by what its customers want and will continue to expand on its already extensive variety of vegan and\/or plant-based ingredients, convenience meals, salads and snacks.”<\/p>\n