Pick n Pay joins ‘veganuary’ movement and expands its plant-based range
In light of January being ‘Veganuary’ – a worldwide movement to encourage people to try veganism for January, Pick n Pay has expanded its plant-based range to meet the growing demand from customers.
The retailer has more than doubled its plant-based range in the last six-months to include a mix of products from milk alternatives and dairy-free cheese to grocery items, snacks and whole meals.
Nicki Russell, Head of Innovation and Trend at Pick n Pay, says that their research shows more customers are opting for a ‘flexitarian’ diet which incorporates more plant-based options and less meat.
“What started as Meatless Monday has since expanded to include more and more days of the week. We’ve been working really hard to bring customers new and innovative local plant-based offerings to create a one-shop destination for customers wanting to adopt a more plant-based lifestyle.”
The new PnP plant-based products will give customers greater variety.
“We have more on-the-go snacks and fresh plant-based convenience meal options such as our Bean and Corn Bites, as well as more indulgent plant-based items, like our frozen samosas and pies, and vegan chocolates. The new fresh Extra Firm Livewell Tofu and flavoured nut milks, both made by a local small supplier, are also proving very popular with customers,” said Russell.
The Pick n Pay powered by Kauai Livewell frozen meal range is now also available in stores and includes vegan options such as a mexi veggie bowl, garden cottage pie, hearty veggie bowl, and a Thai veg curry.
“These simply need to be defrosted, heated and served, making them a prefect no-fuss healthy meal option,” says Russell.
The retailer has also expanded its choice of popular vegan brands. “We’ve always offered a range from Quorn and Fry’s, but have now added more to our shelves, such as Violife Dairy-Free cheese, Yokos Almond yoghurt, Dolce Vita Dairy-free ice cream and organic Pico Chocolate.”
They have even launched a new eco-conscious PnP Live Green cleaning range, made from biodegradable plant-based materials.
Pick n Pay is also supporting Veganuary, a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to sign up and try vegan for January.
Since its launch in 2014, Veganuary has become popular with South Africans, with participation in the country up by over 600% in 2019 compared to 2018.
Brett Thompson from Veganuary South Africa said, “Pick n Pay has the ability to inspire millions of South Africans to eat a healthier and more sustainable diet. We approached them to join the initiative knowing that they were committed to bringing positive change and they saw Veganuary as one such way to help achieve this."
Russell says that the Veganuary initiative perfectly matched Pick n Pay’s drive to make healthier eating more accessible for customers.
“Through our Livewell movement – which includes incorporating more easy-to-read labels for smarter food choices – we want to encourage customers to pick one small thing that can help them live a healthier life. Incorporating more plant-based meals is a way to do so.”
She adds, “The interest in new plant-based products continues to grow and customers can look forward to even more innovation in this space over the next few months.”
Supplied by Pick n Pay.
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