Increased Demand for Vegan and Vegetarian Options at Sodexo
Sodexo, a global leader in catering services, has observed a notable increase in the consumption of meat-free meals. An analysis of over 2.7 million meals sold across 285 of its UK and Ireland client sites in 2023 revealed that 11 percent were either vegan or vegetarian, marking a slight rise from the previous year’s 10 percent.
Driving Growth with Diverse Meat-Free Meal Options
The company attributes this growth in part to its diverse range of meat-free meal options, such as Southern Indian Chickpea Curry, Potato and Cauliflower Masala, and Japanese Teriyaki Tofu. These offerings align with Sodexo’s social impact pledge and its commitment to boosting sustainable meal uptake by providing more plant-based options. This initiative is also a crucial component of Sodexo’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Regional Variations in Meat-Free Meal Preferences
Consumer preferences for meat-free dishes vary regionally, with the East Midlands leading in this trend. In this area, 19 percent of all meals sold were meat-free, followed by 18 percent in the northwest, 16 percent in Ireland, 15 percent in London, 13 percent in Wales, and 11 percent in Scotland.
Sodexo’s Commitment to Sustainability and Consumer Choice
Claire Atkins Morris, Sodexo UK and Ireland’s Director of Sustainability, commented on the growing preference for meat-free options. She highlighted the role of Sodexo’s chefs in creating innovative, plant-forward recipes and the importance of providing consumers with a variety of tasty and nutritious choices. Sodexo has set an ambitious goal to feature 33 percent plant-based meals on its menus by 2025, responding to evolving consumer preferences and advancing towards its 2040 net-zero target.
