Independent vegan traders have traditionally formed a very important role within the vegan community for various reasons and continue to provide a whole range of vegan products and services. The plant based sector has grown extensively and in particular over this last decade, with an explosion of high street and supermarket own labels and vegan products, and this shift to mainstream outlets has in some ways impacted negatively on independent vegan businesses but there remains a thriving independent vegan business community throughout the UK, many of which can be found at vegan markets and events.

 

For early vegans dating back to the 40’s and 50’s, these businesses were a literal lifesaver as they were the only ones providing specialist vegan products, and for the 20^th century and the first 15 years or so of the 21st century it was the small independents set up by ethically driven entrepreneurs that helped swell the proliferation of vegan products as we know them today. Brands like Plamil and products like Sosmix were synonymous with vegans from the 60’s onwards, when products like soya milk, mayonnaise and chocolate starting to appear, and in the 70’s and 80’s whole ranges of nut roasts, vegan pates (Tartex) and various beanburgers and nut cutlets appeared along with a long-term vegan staple Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), with more progressive health stores stocking vegan ice cream (Swedish Glace, Tofutti) and yoghurts and more and more vegan products starting appearing. Vegan cheese is almost lost in time but credit to Bute Island, originators of the Sheese brand, which made its way onto the shelves in the late 80’s. And by the 90’s brands like Redwood (now VBites) were becoming readily available across the UK, in part due to the strong and growing network of independent health store retailers, and the Co-ops that distributed wholefoods in bulks, along with innovative vegan products. All of these were vegan independent brands, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their fortitude and resilience in developing and bringing onto the market products way ahead of their time.

 

The last decade has seen somewhat of an explosion of plant-based products and today’s vegan is spoilt for choice when it comes to plant-based options, with many of these products are now owned or produced by multinationals and multiples, far apart from the original ethos of the pioneers and originators. And although this growth has undoubtedly made it easier for people to access vegan products, and the huge investment has seen some very innovative products come to market, even so it has hit the independent sector heavily, in part due to around half the independent retail outlets in the health store sector closing over the last 5 years. This has led to a dependence on the vegan markets, vegan events and vegan community support for many independents, especially artisan food providers and hand made goods.

 

Supporting the independents isn’t just a necessity these days, to help them survive and thrive – it’s also essential if we are to see a continuation of innovative and wholesome vegan products and services available. The rewards are worthwhile too – nothing like a gathering of vegan independents to ensure ethical honest and awesome vegan products.

 

 

Further Reading

 

Vegan Business Directory – Why Go Vegan

 

My Vegan Town – Viva!

 

Guide to Vegan Alcohol – Barnivore

 

Vegan Directory – Vegan Directory