Woman shopper influenced by nudging

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Nudging Toward Sustainable Consumption – the Power of Choice Architecture

Within the ever-evolving world of consumer behaviour, nudging has surfaced as a powerful tool for guiding decisions towards sustainability. Nudges are capable of amplifying product allure, streamlining purchasing processes, and providing consumers with feedback regarding their purchase choices. Marketing professionals can make subtle use of factors that influence consumers’ purchase decisions, these include product design, pricing, labelling, product placement, promotions, and other persuasive marketing material. In its latest New Food Hub case study, ProVeg International explores key studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of nudging in encouraging consumers to make environmentally conscious and plant-based food choices. Key terms Nudging Nudging, as defined by Pelle Guldborg Hansen et al. (2016), is a strategic approach aimed at influencing decision-making processes by shaping the environment in which choices are …

more

Aldi plant-based My Vay range

© Aldi Netherlands

ALDI Expands Plant-Based My Vay Brand to the Netherlands

ALDI has rolled out its plant-based My Vay brand in the Netherlands, coinciding with the country’s Week Without Meat and Dairy which took place from March 4-10. The range currently features several plant-based dairy alternatives, including soy, oat, and almond milks along with soy and coconut yogurts. In the coming months, it will be expanded to include a variety of meat and dairy alternatives, including plant-based cheeses. The coconut yogurt has already been recognised in the Netherlands’ 2024 Private Label Product of the Year awards. Dutch consumers voted for the product based on four factors — attractiveness, innovation, purchase intention, and product testing. ALDI previously launched My Vay in Germany during this year’s Veganuary campaign. ALDI Nord is offering more than 850 products under the …

more

Shopping in a LIDL grocery discount supermarket in the meat aisle

©Hamik-stock.adobe.com

European Private Label Sales Reach €340Bn as Retailers Cater to Consumer Lifestyle Changes

European private label sales reached a record €340 billion in 2023, according to data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). Private label sales accounted for 54% of total market growth last year, and now make up 38.5% of the grocery market’s total value. The turnover of private label brands grew by 13% in 2023 — more than double the rate of manufacturers’ brand sales. Citing a a McKinsey report, vegan trademark V-Label argues that this is partially because supermarket brands are catering to consumer lifestyle changes. While the first wave of private label products mainly aimed to provide a budget option, the second wave involved launching product lines such as vegan, organic, and free from, along with premium ranges. By targeting health-conscious consumers, many …

more

Juicy Marbles launches at Tesco

© Juicy Marbles

Tesco Reports “Phase Two of Plant-Based Revolution” With Rising Demand for Meat-Free Ingredients

The UK’s largest supermarket chain Tesco reports that the plant-based revolution appears to be entering a second phase, driven by consumers cooking from scratch. The retailer noted that while plant-based is “the biggest food trend this century”, there was a slight dip in sales last year, attributed to the novelty wearing off for customers who were buying the products out of curiosity. However, sales of meat-free ingredients and whole cuts are now on the rise again. Over the last three months, sales of fish alternatives have risen by a huge 100% compared to the same period last year, while tofu and tempeh sales are up by about 20%. Plant-based steaks and chicken breasts have also seen a 20% sales boost, while meat-free burgers are up …

more

Abbot's Butcher retail line

© Abbot's

Abbot’s Products Now Available in Over 1,300 Publix Stores in the Southeastern US

Abbot’s, formerly known as Abbot’s Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based proteins, has announced its retail expansion into Publix supermarkets, increasing the availability of its products in the American grocery sector. Over 1,300 Publix locations across eight states will now stock Abbot’s product lineup, including plant-rich “Chorizo”, Ground “Beef”, and Fajita Chick’n. These offerings will be located in the produce department at all Publix supermarkets across the Southeastern US, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida. Made from whole food ingredients such as pea protein, mushrooms, and extra virgin olive oil, Abbot’s is committed to crafting clean-label meat alternatives free from the top nine allergens, preservatives, seed oils, and artificial flavors. Furthermore, the offerings have earned Non-GMO Project Verification, Whole30 Approval, and Vegan Certification. Kerry Song, …

more

© Alexandre Bompard

Carrefour Exceeds Target for Sales of Plant-Based Alternatives With €514M Turnover

French multinational supermarket chain Carrefour — one of the world’s largest retailers — has reported that it made €514 million in sales of plant-based alternatives last year, exceeding its target of €500 million by 2026. The plant-based alternatives category includes meat and dairy substitutes, as well as legumes. The latter were recently added to the scope following requests from stakeholders, and accounted for €142 million in sales in 2023. Carrefour has now increased its plant-based sales target to $650 million by 2026. The supermarket chain has also reported that 306 suppliers were part of its Food Transition Pact last year, up from 204 in 2022. The pact helps suppliers to become more sustainable through measures such as boosting biodiversity, offering healthier choices, and removing unnecessary …

more

Image: REWE/Planet A Foods

REWE Group Launches Own-Label Products Made With ChoViva Cocoa-Free Chocolate

Germany’s REWE Group says it has become the first European retailer to use ChoViva cocoa-free chocolate in its own-label products. ChoViva is produced by German startup Planet A Foods, and is made from locally-grown ingredients such as oats and sunflower seeds. The concept originated when the founders realised that most of the flavour of chocolate comes from the fermentation and roasting process rather than the taste of cocoa beans. REWE launched its first products containing ChoViva this month, under the brands ja! and REWE Beste Wahl at REWE stores and the COVO, Granola, and Chocolà brands at PENNY. By using the cocoa alternative, REWE hopes to become more ecologically responsible, as ChoViva requires far fewer resources than conventional chocolate production and is not reliant on …

more

Aldi fruit and veg

© ALDI UK

Aldi UK Continues Success Trajectory, Drops Fruit & Veg Prices to Encourage Healthy Eating, Creates 5,500 Jobs

Aldi, currently the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, operates more than 1,000 stores and employs more than 45,000 employees. Yesterday the discounter revealed it is to create 5,500 jobs as it “continues growing at speed throughout 2024”. Furthermore, this week Aldi decided to drop prices for fresh fruit and vegetables to encourage healthy eating in the UK. Prices for berries, grapes, tomatoes, apples and ready-to-eat salads will be lowered in its biggest price cut so far this year, affecting around a quarter of its range, with prices on more than 50 items falling by an average of 7%. Just last month the chain expanded its Plant Menu range with plant-based smoked salmon slices, which have become extremely popular and are selling out around the country, as well …

more

MyForest Foods MyBacon

© MyForest Foods

MyForest Foods’ MyBacon Now Available in Whole Foods Markets Across the Eastern US

MyForest Foods Co., a producer of mycelium-based protein alternatives, has announced a retail expansion of its flagship product, MyBacon, into Whole Foods Markets across the northeastern United States. This new partnership increases the product’s availability to 57 Whole Foods locations across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Additionally, the company has announced the introduction of MyBacon in MOM’s Organic Market, enhancing its distribution across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This significant milestone for MyForest Foods extends its commercial retail footprint to over 350 locations across eight states throughout the United States. MyBacon is a mycelium-based bacon alternative made with only five ingredients: organic mycelium, organic coconut oil, organic sugar, salt, and natural flavor. Last year, the company cited plans to launch its second product, …

more

mother with daughter in supermarket

Image courtesy ProVeg International

At Six Out of Seven Dutch Supermarkets Plant-Based Alternatives Are Cheaper Than Animal Products, Study Finds

Recent research by think tank Questionmark on behalf of ProVeg International has revealed that some plant-based products are now more affordable than their animal counterparts in six supermarkets out of the seven major Dutch retailers. The research compared prices of 12 standard products, including vegetarian meatballs, plant-based cheese, and yogurt, at supermarkets Albert Heijn, Aldi, Dirk, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus, and Ekoplaza. The results show that in nearly every case, the cheapest plant-based option was even more affordable than the most economical animal-based counterpart.  Up to 20% less At supermarket Ekoplaza, the savings on a shopping basket including vegetarian meatballs, plant-based butter, and vegetarian shawarma can be as high as €9.66, amounting to a 20% discount.  Jumbo and Lidl also offer attractive prices, with plant-based options being €3.89 and …

more

Not Co unsweetened vanilla

© Not Co

NotCo Announces Launch of New Unsweetened Vanilla, Expands Availability of Barista Line

Foodtech leader NotCo has announced an expansion in the distribution of its latest products, NotMilk Unsweetened Vanilla and NotMilk Barista, at retailers in the United States. Starting in February 2024, NotMilk Unsweetened Vanilla will be available nationwide in Whole Foods Market stores. This product is an extension of NotCo’s NotMilk line and is designed with no added sugar, offering a creamy, vanilla-infused alternative to traditional milk. With health being a considerable driver in consumer behavior, NotCo’s sugar-free options aim to give customers more control over their sugar intake. NotMilk Barista, the coffee-optimized version of NotMilk, has seen increased expansion in its distribution across the US since its introduction last year. Beginning with a foodservice launch in August, this product is now available in major grocers, …

more

Lidl Austria equalizes prices for over 30 vegan items from its own Vemondo brand.

Equality on the plate © Lidl

Lidl Austria Joins Price-Parity Movement, Slashes Prices for Over 30 Vemondo Products

Starting today, Lidl Austria is undercutting prices by up to 52% for over 30 Vemondo products (its private-label brand), including alternatives to milk, minced meat, sausages, and other plant-based products. This radical price reduction aims to match the prices of vegan products with similar animal-based items to ensure what the retailer calls “equality on the plate.”  With this initiative, Lidl Austria joins the price-parity trend that started with Lidl Germany, followed by Kaufland, Aldi Süd, Penny, BILLA, Jumbo, Lidl Hungary, Lidl Denmark, and Salling Group to make plant-based alternatives more attractive and affordable for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians.  “We have abolished the price barrier for vegan products. The animal-based comparison items are not expensive branded products, but our affordable own brands. This means we are foregoing margins and investing a …

more

© REWE / BILLA

Reduction in Prices of Plant-Based Products at BILLA Results in 33% Increase in Sales

Recent figures revealed that Austria is leading the way in Europe in terms of veganism, with the vegan population rising from 3% to 5% since 2021. Whether for regional, animal welfare, organic, or purely plant-based products – a sustainable and conscious diet is becoming increasingly important in the lives of people in Austria. Rewe Group’s BILLA chain has been consistently reacting to this shift in recent months and would like to set new industry standards, with plant-based foods in particular playing a key role. The Vegavita own-brand has been an integral part of the world of plant products for more than 20 years. As a pioneer, BILLA set a milestone with PFLANZILLA, the first store in Europe by a classic food retailer with a purely …

more

Betty Bossi new line from Coop Switzerland

© Coop

Coop Switzerland Launches Betty Bossi Plant Kitchen Range, States it Has Largest Plant-Based Selection in Swiss Retail

Coop Switzerland states that it currently offers more than 2,200 vegetarian or vegan-labelled food products in its range, of which over 1,900 are vegan, claiming that this represents the largest plant-based selection in the Swiss retail trade. Coop’s offering includes over 100 vegan meat and fish alternatives, more than 50 milk alternatives, 40 vegan yogurt alternatives, and around 30 vegan cheese alternatives, many of which under its own-brand label Betty Bossi. Betty Bossi and Coop are now combining their vegetarian and vegan alternatives under one product line called “Betty Bossi Plant Kitchen” which replaces Coop’s own brands Délicorn and Yolo. The line will include spaghetti bolognese, nuggets, and sliced vegan deli meats which will gradually roll out from this month onwards. Independent alternatives, not animal …

more

ALDI, the popular discount supermarket chain, has announced the launch of its new vegan private label brand, MyVay, in celebration of Veganuary.

Image courtesy of ALDI

ALDI Launches New Vegan Brand ‘My Vay’ in Germany Expanding Its Offer for Veganuary and Beyond

ALDI, the popular discount supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new vegan private label brand, My Vay, in Germany coinciding with Veganuary. The introduction of the new brand expands ALDI’s plant-based assortment with vegan products to simplify shopping for customers while providing them with a diverse range of affordable options, said the retailer. The entire My Vay range is vegan and marked with the V-Label, making it easy for consumers to identify their choices. ALDI Nord offers over 850 vegan products, including Shepherd’s Pie, vegan steaks, smoked salmon, soy yogurt, and My Vay Organic Spread Cream, among many others. Meanwhile, ALDI SÜD has an impressive selection of more than 950 vegan options, with everyday products such as oat drink, falafel, vegetable balls, soy yogurt, My Vay Crème …

more

A woman and a child shopping at a supermarket.

© Salling Group

Price Parity Trend Continues in Europe: Salling Group and Lidl Hungary & Denmark Announce Drop in Plant-Based Food Prices

Article updated 12th Jan: The price drop has also been carried out by Lidl in Denmark which states, “With the campaign ‘The choice is yours’, Lidl will focus on the vegan range in all Lidl stores in the coming months. Lidl will price-match the prices of vegan private-label products under the Vemondo brand with comparable animal products.” The trend of retailers dropping prices of plant-based products, to reach parity or lower than their animal equivalents, continues in Europe, with Lidl Hungary and Denmark’s Salling Group this week joining the list of retailers helping to promote the adoption of plant-based diets. Last October, Lidl Germany announced a 20% drop in price for its Vemondo plant-based range to reach piece parity with similar animal products. The move was followed by …

more

Meati Foods product lineup

© Meati Foods

Meati Foods Announces Expansion at Super Target Stores Across the USA

MushroomRoot™ meat alternative producer Meati Foods announces the retail expansion of its Eat Meati product line to Super Target stores across the United States. This new partnership is a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious retail growth strategy, aiming to increase its presence from 3,000 to 8,000 retail stores by the summer of 2024. Meati Foods offers a range of chef-seasoned whole cuts, snacks, and nuggets. The company uses its proprietary MushroomRoot™ technology to create products from mycelium that are naturally fibrous and require minimal processing or fillers to create the meaty texture. The company has cited an increased demand for its products and high repurchase rates of up to 60%. President and COO of Meati Foods, Scott Tassani, states, “Achieving a retail footprint of …

more

One Planet Pizza and Ben and Jerry's offer Veganuary meal deal

© One Planet Pizza

One Planet Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Partner to Offer Exclusive Veganuary Meal Deal at Asda

UK-based vegan pizza brand One Planet Pizza has joined forces with ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s to offer a Veganuary meal deal at Asda. Available online only, it is the retailer’s first ever frozen vegan meal deal, allowing shoppers to order One Planet’s Peppernomi Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s new Oat of this Swirled sundae for a total of £5. Ordinarily, the pizza costs £4 and the ice cream costs £5.50. The Peppernomi Pizza consists of a wood-fired sourdough base topped with Italian tomato sauce, plant-based cheese, and hyperrealistic plant-based pepperoni. It is One Planet Pizza’s bestselling product, and was made permanently available at 400 Asda stores a year ago following a successful trial. “Veganuary is undoubtedly the best time of the year to …

more

Spar Veggie no tuna salad

© SPAR

SPAR Austria Reports Own-Brand Label SPAR Veggie Saw Sales More Than Double in Five Years

SPAR Austria is collaborating with Veganuary for the first time and is supporting the global initiative for a purely plant-based diet in January. SPAR reports that its own-brand range includes over 800 vegetarian and vegan products among various lines, including 120 under SPAR Veggie alone. The meat-free range at SPAR is supplemented by products from various manufacturers, including many startups. SPAR Veggie sales have more than doubled in the last 5 years. In 2023 alone, sales grew by 24%, says the company. Growth at SPAR Veggie The SPAR brand SPAR Veggie now offers 120 vegan and vegetarian products and the company states that sales of this range more than doubled from 2018 to 2023. Compared to the previous year, there was an increase in sales …

more

Aldi vegan corn dogs

© Aldi

Aldi Launches its Biggest Ever Vegan Range, Predicting 40% Sales Uptick for Veganuary

Aldi announces the addition of several new SKUs to its own-brand Plant Menu range in the UK and states that it predicts a “huge” uptick in plant-based sales of around 40% this Veganuary. The Veganuary offerings, while it is unclear whether they will be permanent or seasonal, come as part of the discounter’s commitment to provide more than 1,000 products in its plant-based range by the end of this year. In Q1 2023 Aldi stated in its nutrition report: “Our goal is to offer our customers 1,000 plant-based product varieties spread across the year in our standard, seasonal and promotional ranges by the end of 2024. To achieve this goal, we are focusing not only on reducing the small quantities of animal-based ingredients in our …

more