Trendwatch: Going Vegan

According to a report by restaurant consultancy group Baum + Whiteman in New York, “plant-based” will be the food trend of 2018. The report also anticipates that plant-based foods will become the new organic. In the UK, the number of people identifying as vegans has increased by 350%, compared to a decade ago, according to research commissioned by the Vegan Society in partnership with Vegan Life magazine. This statistic comes as Waitrose reported a fivefold increase in searches for vegan food on their website in the days running up to New Year and several other stores looking at investing in vegan ranges.

It would appear that ‘plant based’ and vegan menu options are a powerful culinary trend that is here to stay with Just Eat naming veganism as their top consumer trend in 2018 and with big name stars including Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 driver, and pop singer Ariana Grande choosing a vegan diet as the lifestyle choice becomes increasingly popular.

This trend is growing more evident across the meetings and events industry with guests becoming more food focussed so it would seem 2018 has heralded the year of mainstream veganism where there is not one single cause, but instead a combinations of pro plant-based factors. People cite one or more of three key motives for going vegan – animal welfare, environmental concerns and personal health.

Whichever reason it would appear that Veganism has a firm hold on catering trends this year. We want to explore this trend and showcase some of the veggie delights in our own Spring Summer menu. Our Head Chef, Searcy’s Daniel Grais explores some of the fresh and vibrant cruelty free menu options we have available and offers his recipes so you can give this foodie trend a go at home. Searcy’s pride themselves on seasonal menus , eating within seasons to ensure guests receive the freshest and best quality ingredients the market has to offer which is vital to successful and delicious vegan cookery.

Try these tasty plant based recipes at home and don’t forget to share your handiwork! Tweet us @10_11CHT with pictures of your culinary adventures!