The sales of red meat have significantly dropped with the increase of UK citizens choosing a vegan or vegetarian diet, claims new data.
Namely, according to a study by the Veganuary charity, more than 800,000 people reduced the consumption of animal products for at least one month in 2019.
As a result, 3.6 million fewer animals were consumed in the first 6 months of 2019.
Another research by Nielsen discovered that red meat sales dropped by value more than any other category in supermarkets or down by 185 million pounds.
As Veganism Takes Over, Meat Consumption Reduces
The Nielsen research also found that beef sales reduced by 4 percent whereas that of pork by 6.4 percent.
In the meantime, the meat-free alternatives increased by 18 percent to 405 million pounds, the biggest growth rate of any category.
According to head of retailer and business insight at Nielsen, Mike Watkins, 2019 has noticed a rise in meatless and free-from categories with the increase in the health and environment consciousness in buyers and with veganism becoming a mainstream thing.
The British vegan market topped 1 billion pounds for the first time in 2019 and doubled in the last two decades.
The number of people following a vegan diet in Britain more than doubled to 600,000 between 2016 and last year, claims a survey commissioned by the Vegan Society.
Why Are People Reducing their Consumption of Meat?
A Kantar research concluded that health was one of the major reasons why people are giving up meat and animal products.
Animal welfare concern was mentioned by 49 percent and 30 percent was for environmental reasons.
Stuart Roberts, vice chairman of the National Farmers Union points out that we all have the right to choose the diet we want.
However, he’s frustrated by some people thinking that choosing a plant over a meat product is healthier and more sustainable when actually, with all categories, whether meat or plant, there are certain products that are more or less sustainable.
As part of the Veganuary campaign, 300,000 consumers have pledged to a meatless January.
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