Driving Sales & Margin Through Meat-Free Products

Wave you considered the benefits of expanding meat-free options on the fast food menu? There are more vegetarians than ever before in the UK, with almost 5% of the population following a plant-based diet, and the total figure rose by 1.1million between 2023 and 2024 according to research.1 But this is more than about catering for vegetarians.

More and more people are opting for a flexitarian diet, introducing plant-based dishes alongside meat to reduce their impact on the environment and expand their horizons. Which means plant-based staples like meat-free burgers and vegetable sausages are no longer enjoyed only by vegetarians.

The KaterVeg! vegan quarterpounder and KaterVeg! vegetable sausages are available from a wide range of foodservice wholesalers and come individually quick frozen to avoid any wastage before the plate. They’re easy to prepare, simple to serve and an easy way to expand choice by introducing plant-based options to the menu.   

There is another huge benefit to meat-free sausages and burgers too. The rising costs of ingredients continue to bite, particularly in the meat category, and our KaterVeg! range protects caterers from those price hikes with high-quality, tasty, meat-free products.

Beef in particular, has seen around a 45% increase in price over the last 12 months. There’s huge potential to save costs if you can add plant-based options alongside traditional meat options. It’s not about replacing the whole menu, simply giving more choice for customers.

Key products

KaterVeg! Vegan Quarterpounder Seasoned vegan burgers made with textured EU soya protein. High in protein, easy to serve and widely available from foodservice delivered wholesalers, they offer a great alternative to beef burgers. The KaterVeg! vegan quarterpounder is supplied frozen in a 1 x 24 portion pack to minimise wastage, and can be oven cooked or grilled straight from the freezer.

Top Tip: Don’t relegate plant-based dishes to a separate menu. Advertising vegan quarterpounders alongside beef burgers will demonstrate trust in the product and encourage purchase.

KaterVeg! Vegetable Sausages

Plant-based sausages made with lightly seasoned vegetables including carrot, green pepper, peas, potato, onion and sweetcorn, coated in a light, crisp batter. These provide a tasty option on any fast food menu, suitable for vegetarians, vegans or simply anyone that wants a healthier alternative. KaterVeg! vegetable sausages are also Halal approved, supplied frozen to eliminate wastage and available to serve in as little as six and a half minutes when deep fried. They can also be shallow fried or grilled.

Top Tip: Tap into meat-free trends and encourage trial by non-vegetarians by promoting discounts on plant-based products on a specified day.

For further information visit www.centralfoods.co.uk