The Field

The Plant-Based Boom with New Options for UK Buyers in Veganuary

Written by Atlante | Jan 4, 2023 11:52:23 PM

Ready to meet demand for more plant foods as opposed to animal foods in UK supermarkets? Buyer options sourced here.

READ MORE: Veganuary at Atlante

Throughout Veganuary and beyond, the time has come to plan for plant-based success in 2023.

Atlante connects UK supermarket buyers with the perfect plant-based products to meet growing demand, including own-brand product development from end to end. We use global trend analysis and market research insights to help buyers make effective and profitable choices every step of the way.

Alternative Protein Trends for 2023

Plant-based diets are causing milk and dairy alternatives to grow in popularity among health conscious shoppers across the board, as flexitarian buying becomes mainstream. This is especially true for alternative dairy products like oat milk.

“Health, mainly in connection with digestion and reducing the intake of sugar, is the top reason to choose plant-based dairy offerings,” reports market research agency Euromonitor. “Health credentials are also associated with oats in general due to their content of prebiotic fibre, boosting an already good reputation.”

UK consumers are also enjoying oat milk for its relatively neutral flavour profile, well suited to tea and coffee. Plant-based health drinks are also popular, especially when they feature high protein content like Atlante’s Go For Fit High Protein alternative milk range.

RELATED: Beyond Soy: The Trend of Alternative Proteins

Supermarket Perimeter has also identified increasing demand for alternative fish and seafood products.

“We’re looking at a very real possibility of a future with limited access to fish and seafood,” explains Kishan Vasani, CEO of food innovation intelligence company Spoonshot. “It has become absolutely vital for innovation in seafood alternatives to happen now”

They report that less than 0.2% of seafood product launches carry plant-based or vegan alternatives, revealing a key gap in the market.

RELATED: What’s Next in Alternative Proteins: 7 Trends on the Rise

Atlante’s clients have had success with our ‘Plant Heroes’ range of alternative protein products like sausages and kebabs, both of which are gluten-free. Eliminating gluten and streamlining ingredient lists is effective for consumers who are favouring simple, ‘clean’ plant-based products.

“The call for clean label claims in plant-based foods is becoming louder,” reports Vasani. “Consumers are starting to be put off by long, complicated ingredient lists.”

Spoonshot reports that 10% of consumer conversations about plant-based foods are centred around ‘clean eating.’ This is important for buyers to keep in mind for 2023, especially in regard to marketing and ‘clean labelling’ package design choices.

Atlante’s soya yoghurt range, now available in Sainsbury’s, is a strong example of successful clean packaging.

RELATED: The 6 Best FMCG Paper Packaging Innovations

Leveraging Data into Buyer Success

Atlante supports buyers, helping them choose the right products for the right markets at the right moment. Our in-depth knowledge of products, raw materials, suppliers, R&D, quality control, and logistics help buyers within the UK to source and distribute successful food and beverage products, including plant-based products.

Projections for 2023 show own-label products taking over due to consumers’ tightening budgets amidst widespread economic hardship. Kantar figures show the average UK household facing a £682 rise in annual grocery bills this year. We'll be keeping in eye on the veganuary results in 2023.

Your choices as a buyer can make the most of these converging factors, whether you opt to go own-brand or otherwise. Read more about Atlante’s plant-based offerings below or reach out to learn how we can help.

To learn more about the interesting stats from Veganuary, download our Veganuary Infographic here: