Veganism has become a popular lifestyle choice across the UK in recent years, with as many as 1 in 3 British people significantly reducing their consumption of meat and dairy. 

Veganism in the UK has increased and continues to rise, so too should the production and availability of vegan wholesale food; enabling restaurants and eateries to cater for vegan tastes. 

The rise of veganism: takeaways and restaurants

Takeaways and meals out may still be considered a luxury to most; something consumers indulge in for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays or celebrations with family and friends, but in just 2 years – between 2016 and 2018 – the number of orders for vegan takeaways increased by an incredible 388% with more than 2% of the population (600,000 people) now considered to be vegan.

But what does this really mean for chefs like you? 

This dramatic rise in veganism means that takeaways, restaurants and eateries need to respond to the changing expectations and demands of your diners; offering a generous range of vegan-friendly foods for those who have either chosen the lifestyle, live with food allergies and intolerances or are simply curious to try something new. 

The UK continues to lead in the production of vegan products

In 2018 the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation, according to the World Vegan Society – responding to the increasing trend in this country for vegan tastes. 

Vegan wholesale food

Veganism is rapidly making its way into the mainstream, not only for the health benefits associated; increasing widespread awareness of food allergies and intolerances, but also the environmental benefits, the availability of good quality, vegan wholesale food for restaurants and eateries needs to also respond to this.

Cooper Foods are constantly expanding the range of vegan wholesale products available; delicious foods that are entirely vegan friendly, including sausages, pies and desserts.

For more information about our vegan range and to order, please contact us on 01264 321 050.

Particularly when catering for large groups of people, ensuring your overheads are as low as possible is always a priority; achieving the greatest flavours and experiences for your diners at the lowest costs to your restaurant. However, when it comes to meat wholesalers, is it better to buy cheap or buy quality, and can you ever achieve both? 

Meat wholesalers: quality or price?

We all love the feeling that comes with securing a bargain; whether it’s a 2 for 1 or 20% off specific items, getting the most for our hard earned money is a feeling like no other, and for those of us working in the catering industry, that feeling often comes from securing large quantities of meat, bought at truly affordable prices. 

However, all too often chefs are forced to make the choice between quality and price as prices associated with good quality cuts of meat continue to rise, and consumer demand increases; and, because of this, choosing the cheapest meats may seem like the most sensible short term option. 

The risks of buying cheap meat

Yes, it’s tempting to buy cheap cuts of meat; helping you to feed more for less. However, buying cheap comes with a number of often unforeseen risks that should be carefully considered before a purchase, such as: 

• Loss or lack of flavour: quality meat is often packed with flavour, particularly in comparison to cheaper cuts; due to the way the animal has been reared, the process of preparation, and even the way it’s stored before being delivered to you. Great quality, flavourful meat is generally lined with fat, giving it a marbled appearance. For most meats, the flavour is very much in the fat! 
• Lesser preparation & storage measures: like most products and services, often with good quality meat, you’re paying for the time and energy that goes into preparing that meat; the skills and experience that ensure it’s cut perfectly, it’s stored at the optimum temperatures, and it’s delivered to you in the best condition. Whereas, cheaper meats may not be prepared or stored with quite the same level of care, which could lead to issues further down the line like texture and [lack of] tenderness. 
• It may be full of fillers: it’s becoming more widely known that the cheaper the meat, the more likely it is to be full of fillers like water, making it look plumper and juicer than it really is! More expensive meats are far less likely to contain things like fillers, meaning you get more meat for your money. 

Why buying quality meat is an investment

Buying quality meat for your hungry diners should be seen less as a financial burden and more as an investment in your business; the greater the quality of the meat, the easier it is to work with, the better the favour, and the greater the overall experience for your diners which inevitably leads to… their return!

Can quality be affordable?

Affordable doesn’t always mean lesser quality meat. By getting to know your local meat wholesaler, Cooper Foods, the source of their produce, and the processes they have in place, you can secure mouth-watering flavourful and tender cuts of meat at very fair prices.

To find out more about our range of premium selected meat, talk to us today.