295: Trends Report: Vegan Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks Take Center Stage

The way we eat, drink, and celebrate at events is evolving, and the numbers prove it. This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE — the first episode of 2025 —  I'm sitting down with Hugo Campbell, co-founder of Togather, to talk about their new report tracking food and drink trends at over 100 UK festivals attended by 10 million people in 2024. 🌱🍹    ➤ Vegan food sales rose 28% compared to last year, with plant-based burgers and fries leading the way. As the number of people identifying as vegan in the UK grows by 10% annually, it's clear this trend is here to stay.    ➤ Non-alcoholic drink sales surged 35%, showing a rising demand for alcohol-free options like virgin mojitos and alcohol-free lagers—perfect for those embracing Dry January.    ➤ Attendees are shifting away from red meat, with chicken tenders and fries becoming the top dish. This is a reflection of a broader move toward lighter, more sustainable choices.    ➤ Moroccan cuisine exploded in popularity, rising 300%, with Harissa Chicken at the forefront.    What does this mean for event planners? We must adapt to the rising demand for vegan, alcohol-free, and globally inspired options.    January is the perfect time to rethink your event menus, and Hugo will share how these trends can inspire plant-forward, alcohol-free, and globally inspired options—not just this month but all year long.    Join us to learn how data-backed decisions can help you create inclusive, innovative menus that meet the moment. Let's start 2025 with fresh ideas for food and beverage!