Tourism & Travel

Vegan Brunch Skyrocketing: UK’s Largest Airport Group MAG Reports Surge in Plant-Based Orders

MAG, the UK’s largest airport group and operator of Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands airports, has seen a significant increase in the popularity of vegan and non-dairy products.

Sales of vegan breakfasts and brunches are reportedly up 20% compared to last year, with one outlet (Giraffe at Manchester Airport) seeing an eightfold increase. A JD Wetherspoon pub at London Stansted has seen sales of its vegan chilli rise by 167%, while a vegan hot dog at Manchester’s Lion & Antelope is 90% more popular than last year.

Sales of milk alternatives are also up, rising by 10% overall and 25% at Costa Coffee in Manchester Airport. This trend is particularly prevalent among coffee drinkers catching early morning flights. Oat milk is by far the most popular plant-based choice, followed by soy and then coconut.

Products marketed as healthy choices, such as alcohol-free beers and dishes said to promote gut health, have also seen sales increase. Additionally, many passengers are reportedly choosing juice instead of alcoholic beverages.

© Giraffe

Plant-based air travel

Airports and airlines are increasingly providing more vegan options for travellers as demand continues to grow. US airline JetBlue recently began offering oat milk in its complimentary beverages on flights, while British Airways also introduced oat milk earlier this year.

In May, German aviation company LSG Group announced a partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher to introduce plant-based meals onboard. Similarly, LATAM Airlines is working with NotCo to offer plant-based sandwiches on domestic flights in Chile.

“Some products and menu items will always be popular at an airport, and we continue to see sales increase in line with growing passenger volumes – but there can be no denying the growing popularity of things like 0% beers, gut health shots, and vegan brunches,” said Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport.

“There are a wide range of different passengers who use the airport and that is why it is important our outlets offer diverse menus – by doing that, it hopefully means we are giving people what they need to switch to holiday mode at the earliest opportunity.”

Bookmark
See all bookmarks

Share