Vegetarian demand up

There has been rapid growth in the vegetarian market, prompting many businesses to increase the number of vegetarian options they offer to customers.

Statistics

23% of shoppers report that they usually or sometimes maintain a vegetarian diet.
Source: HealthFocus International, Vegetarian Aware Shoppers, 1999
The market for vegetarian food products (excluding traditional foods such as pasta, beans, produce, etc.) is forecast to grow 100% to 125% for the period 2001 to 2006.
Source: Mintel Consumer Intelligence, Vegetarian Food Market, November 2001
57% of people sometimes, often or always order a vegetarian item when eating out.
Source: Vegetarian Resource Group, restaurant survey, November 1999
Roughly 80% of tableservice restaurants offer vegetarian entrees.
Source: National Restaurant Association, Tableservice Restaurant Trends, 2000 Tableservice Operator Survey

The Market for Vegetarian Foods,
by Caryn Ginsberg and Alissa Ostrowski, at Vegetarian Resource Group
Vegetarian Foods Growing Mighty in the Market,
by Dana Coffield, from Natural Foods Merchandiser, 2002 November
Meatless in the Mainstream,
by William Roberts, from Category Analysis, Prepared Foods, March 2002
Vegetarian Cuisine Is in Bloom on Restaurant Menus,
by Lynda McDaniel, from Restaurants USA, 1999 January
Meatless meals demand respect as interest in fresh food and healthy eating grows,
by Laura Yee, from Restaurants and Institutions, 1999 December 1, Food section, Venerable Vegetarian