In our previous posts, we discussed the “Vegan Movement”, that refers to the veganism trend in North America and some parts of Europe. Currently, people with a vegan or vegetarian diet make up 10% of Canada's population. According to Dalhousie University, there are 2.3 million vegetarians in Canada. [1] Although it’s not a significant amount, it’s predicted that it will increase in the following years.
If fast food chains don't implement sustainable, vegan, nor vegetarian options, where would these people go? That's right. They'll continue their diet, even if your restaurant is selling the best real beef burger, and it would be your loss by missing out on generating revenue on the diet requirements of this increasing population.
In order to increase demand and reach more individuals, fast-food chains should start to implement meat-free options that both meat and non-meat eaters can purchase.
Since meatless burgers that taste like meat are mostly unheard of, many people would be interested in trying it out, especially younger people, and as the vegan and climate change movement grows, there would be more demand for plant-based meat.
Having a non-meat product on your menu will also catch the attention of meat-eaters. If a burger is offered that would taste exactly like the real one, but comes with zero cholesterol, trans fat, and little saturated fat, customers may decide to choose the healthier option.
According to the Financial Post, A&W’s Beyond Burgers were sold out in just a few weeks in September 2018, proving the interest people have in trying vegan options and the increase in demand from vegans and vegetarians. [2]
Work cited:
1. Flanagan, Ryan. "More than 3 Million Canadians Vegetarian or Vegan: Study." CTVNews. July 25, 2018. Accessed June 15, 2019. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/more-than-3-million-canadians-vegetarian-or-vegan-study-1.4027606.
2. Skerritt, Jen, and Bloomberg News. "A&W Sold out of Its New Plant-based Burger All across Canada in a Matter of Weeks." Financial Post. September 17, 2018. Accessed June 15, 2019. https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/canadian-burger-chain-sells-out-of-plant-based-patties.