The vegan business, the “food” of the future?

France has always been known for its gastronomy. A varied gastronomy, where it is possible to taste both traditional and more exotic dishes. In recent years, however, we have seen a change in consumer behaviour with food. Restaurants and food shops have begun to diversify their offerings, with dishes tailored to each diet. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, the products evolve to suit everyone. In this flow of evolutions, a diet takes its magnitude: the vegan diet.

A movement that respects animal welfare, beyond a simple diet

The French are increasingly concerned about the quality of what they consume. Their behaviour has changed considerably, as has their diet. According to a December 2017 study by OBSOCO (Observatory Society and Consumer Affairs), 82% of French people admit to paying more attention to their diet. If a very small proportion of the French turn to a diet excluding any animal products (2%) it is on the rise. The vegan movement also refuses the use of animal products or objects, such as clothing, cosmetics … It is a new way of life that attracts more and more people, who want to consume better by prioritizing animal welfare.

This choice thus raises several fundamental questions, which are at the heart of the concerns of the French, all diets combined. The origin of the products is the main information that is sought. This was particularly caused by a scandal launched by a famous frozen brand in 2013. Indeed, a dish of lasagna supposedly composed of beef, was actually made of horse meat. This case had caused the brand’s sales to fall sharply, and its image at the same time. 23% of French people surveyed on this subject said that they would no longer buy products of this brand, a difficult result for the frozen market.

The communication of videos and releases related to animal welfare also played a big part in the choice of vegans. Mostly unbearable images and messages, making it impossible to consume animal products. This click is an opportunity to turn to a consumption of natural, unprocessed products. This shift, well understood by professionals, has become a real springboard.

The vegan, a flourishing business driven by a general awareness

Like the gluten-free diet, vegan and vegetarian have become full-fledged product lines, highly prized and in demand. Initially, retailers started marketing organic products. This prevented the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which could pose health risks. A strong success, expected even in the wine sector, where the organic and biodynamic market is gaining ground. The new needs of consumers have evolved further, to get closer to the purest possible food.

Some establishments and restaurants even offer a menu with specific dishes, and even make it their concept. Dishes that are both detox and healthy, that do not skimp on quantity or on the quality of products. Until a few years ago, eating in restaurants was very difficult due to the scarcity of meat-free or animal-free cards. But today, the majority of restaurants have already included this new demand, which conquered the world.

Beyond changing the maps of establishments and the shelves of supermarkets, the vegetarian/vegan diet acts on the environment. Raising animals for consumption requires a significant amount of energy and space. An important factor in a country where the number of inhabitants is increasing, and where agricultural land is decreasing. In addition, heavy meat consumption can cause health problems for humans. Cardiovascular problems, obesity, diabetes. The list is long. Animal meat is also the factor in the transmission of diseases to humans. An edifying example, the one we know today: COVID-19 comes from the consumption of animal meat…

The introduction of veganism in the Bordeaux daily newspaper

Bordeaux is a city that is world famous. Known for its wine, for the economic and business dynamism of its neighbourhoods, for its good life and its gastronomy. It is developing and wants to turn to a greener, less polluting operation. As mentioned above, the wine industry is undergoing an upheaval in its ancestral practices. Traditional wines share the estates with organic, biodynamic, and more recently vegan wines. Unlike the first genus, these wines are grown in a soil without any chemical ingredients. A way to discover the true taste of wine, respecting nature. This process is very long and requires investment. But the interest and success of these vintages makes it possible to note the market potential available.

Renowned also for its gastronomy, Belle Endormie sees the opening of new establishments that offer only organic or vegetarian products. In France, according to a study by La Fourchette by TheFork, the number of bookings in these restaurants has increased tenfold. A success at the rendezvous, and especially in the city that was crowned the third city where we eat the best in France …

Vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian … The number of diets has diversified well. Faced with the desire to act for the good of the planet, the environment and animal species, the French have more than the desire to make a gesture. A success that, in the years to come, if followed by all, could have positive consequences on our world…

Sources:

The Repercussions of Findus – Butchery – LSA Conso 14/02/2013

Better food, between culinary experience and sanity – BORDEAUX Business 04/03/2020

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