Gastronomy & Food Service

Tastecard Boss Says Restaurants Must Embrace Veganism to Survive

Matt Turner, co-founder of restaurant discount card Tastecard , has spoken about the “challenging times” faced by restaurants in the current climate, citing the recent collapse of chef Jamie Oliver’s “Jamie’s Italian” restaurants, and warning that restaurant chiefs should avoid complacency and recognise veganism in order to prevent a similar fate.

In an interview with the Press Association, Turner said that restaurants need to adapt to current trends which include veganism, healthy eating and experience dining. “It’s crucial that restaurants have their fingers on the pulse about what’s in demand now and what’s around the corner.”

The Northern England based business expert first launched TasteLondon in 2006, a subscription based dining club card for London residents. In 2010 it became clear that the business had potential for national success, so soon after it was rebranded as Tastecard. He praises chains such as Zizzi and Ask for “embracing the vegan trend early on”.

Vegconomist reported that in the USA, sales of meat alternatives increased by an astonishing 268% between 2018 and 2019. In addition, a report by the Caterer found that annual revenue for of UK restaurants is at £40bn but estimated a further £9bn in potential revenue gains if restaurants adapted to the vegan movement and offered plant-based options.

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