Higher proportion of vegan and vegetarian dishes sold in 2022, Sodexo finds

Sodexo has published its food sales data showing a year-on-year increase in the proportion of vegetarian and vegan meals sold across 476 of its UK and Ireland client sites. 

According to the data from January to November 2022, which are based on EPOS data sales of over 240,000 meals across Sodexo’s UK&I business, 10% of all meals sold were vegetarian or vegan compared to 8% during the same period in 2021. 

It was also shown that the highest proportion of vegetarian and vegan meals were sold by Sodexo in the East Midlands, where these accounted for more than one in five (21%) of all meals.

When analysed by sector, Sodexo’s research showed that its health and care client sites sold the highest proportion of vegetarian and vegan meals, with an average of 17%.

Claire Atkins-Morris, director of corporate responsibility at Sodexo, said: “Whether people are vegan, vegetarian, or just want to try something new, it’s great to see that more and more customers are trying plant-based meals across our sites. 

“We are a proud supporter of Veganuary, and our community of chefs are encouraging more customers to try our plant-based meals by developing delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes that show the variety of meal options people have at our client sites.” 

She added: “As part of our Net Zero commitment, we have set ourselves the goal of increasing the number of plant-based meals and recipes our clients choose from to 33% by 2025.” 

Toni Vernelli, head of communication and marketing at Veganuary, added: “We’re delighted to see Sodexo reporting an increase in sales of vegan and vegetarian meals across their UK and Ireland client sites. 

“Veganuary is here to support anyone who wants to try being vegan, but it makes our job a lot simpler when organisations like Sodexo are offering delicious, nutritious, and easily accessible options.”