As vegan food soars in popularity, wholesaler Midland Chilled Foods new collection of plant-based pies will help operators benefit from the growing megatrend.
With a staggering 4.4 billion meat-free meals consumed in the UK*, the arrival of Midland Chilled’s hand-finished vegan pies will allow operators to meet the increasing demand, whilst bringing a welcomed boost to profits during the winter months.
Starting with a signature hot mix shortcrust pastry, the new range includes a ‘Vegetable & Vegan Mince Style Pie’, ‘Mediterranean Roast Vegetables in Spicy Tomato and Herb Salsa’ and a ‘Chili Non-Carne Vegan Pie’.
Eleanor Morris, Marketing Manager, Midland Chilled Foods says:
“The meat-free market is bigger than ever and it’s becoming a top priority for operators to provide plant-based dishes that will outshine their counterparts. A comfort food classic, pies are the ideal winter warmer and our new meat-free range means operators can make the most of all the opportunities winter provides starting with National Vegan Month in November, followed by the Christmas festivities, right through to Veganuary.”
With 1 in 3 consumers actively reducing their meat consumption**, appealing to flexitarians is becoming a key consideration for operators – especially as 92% of all plant-based meals are enjoyed by non-vegans*. As pies are a longstanding favourite, Midland Chilled’s new vegan flavours can help operators increase menu popularity in the lead up to the festive season, during Veganuary and beyond.
Eleanor adds;
“With more and more consumers following a flexitarian diet, the appeal of plant-based dishes is truly mainstream, reaching way beyond vegans and vegetarians. Reducing the meat in your diet doesn’t mean giving up your favourite foods and we are expecting to see plant-based dishes play a very large role in festive menus this year. Pies lend themselves perfectly to the festivities, bringing a familiarity with new exciting flavour combinations that will appeal to all.”
The plant-based range also includes a Vegan Sausage Roll and a West Country Style Pasty filled with soya mince, fresh potato, carrots and onions all wrapped in Midland Chilled’s signature puff pastry with a bespoke rich dark gravy.
Midland Chilled Foods specialises in providing chilled, ambient and frozen foods to over 2,500 customers, delivering gourmet pies, cheeses and hand-cut charcuterie meats from around the world and across the UK. Midland Chilled Foods is the sister company to Italy’s number one milk and dairy farmer co-operative Granarolo Group, supplying fresh and hard cheeses, milk, yogurts and snacks.
*Kantar Worldpanel, February 2019 **Waitrose Food & Drink Report, November 2018
For more information on Midland Chilled Food Group visit https://midlandchilled.co.uk/
