Let’s face it – 2020 hasn’t exactly been the best year in recent history. A global pandemic continues to cause tragic loss of life, along with other unprecedented and widespread social impacts like increased social isolation and unemployment.
To take a brief recess from all of the sad news, I wanted to focus this blog post on positive vegan-related news from around the world. Despite all of the sadness in the world today, these vegan stories from around the world are encouraging!
Tofu sales soar in the UK – reported by VegNews
- Sales of tofu in the UK during the COVID-19 lockdown period (the 12 weeks leading up to June 2020) have increased by 81.7%, according to market research firm Kantar Worldpanel.
- Sales of many vegan meat substitutes grew faster than overall UK grocery sales, which rose by 13.7% during the research period.
- Ground vegan meat sales spiked by 50.1%, sales of vegan burgers were up by 37% and plant-based sausage sales grew by 21.3%.
Demand for cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics is “spiralling”- reported by Vegconomist
- The global cosmetics market is seeing “spiraling demand for cruelty-free and vegan” options, according to a recent study which states that the US market for vegan cosmetics is forecast to surpass US $3 billion by the end of 2025.
- According to the article, a recent report found that “vegan” was the third most popular attribute listed by colour cosmetic brands online last year.
- It was also recently announced that Selena Gomez will be launching a vegan beauty brand in Sephora stores.
New vegan seafood developments
- Earlier this month, 3D Printing Progress reported that students from the EU-led research project Training4CRM and University of Denmark have developed a technique for 3D printing vegan versions of fish such as salmon and tuna.
- These fish-like products, based on proteins from mushrooms and peas, are expected to be marketed to sushi restaurants by 2022.
- In related news, VegNews reported that a massive, new high-tech vegan seafood production plant is opening in Ohio. Gathered Foods – parent company of vegan seafood brand Good Catch Foods – announced the new 42,500-square-foot production plant this month.
- Gathered Foods raised $10 million in 2019 to fund the new facility, which can produce $100 million worth of plant-based protein annually and has already hired 52 employees with plans to create further job opportunities in the Heath, Ohio region by the end of the year.
Colombia banning cosmetic animal testing by 2024 – reported by LiveKindly
- A new bill banning the use of animal testing for cosmetics has passed in Colombia. The ban prohibits the use of animals for testing cosmetics products and their ingredients, and will apply to imported or manufactured products. The new law takes effect in 2024.
- Colombia is the first nation in South America to enact such a ban.
Plant-based food production could create 19 million jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean- reported by Plant Based News
- A new report, titled Jobs in a net-zero emissions future, says plant-based production could create 19 million jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- The joint study, between the International Labour Organisation and the Inter-American Development Bank, says “the production of high-value fruits and vegetables would provide greater opportunities for smallholder and family farmers and as well as healthier diets for the population at large.”
Rhino poaching down in Namibia – reported by LiveKindly
- Rhino poaching has fallen 63% year-on-year in Namibia. According to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism, there were 46 incidents of poaching reported in 2019. This year, there have been 17 so far. This is a dramatic decrease from 2015, when there were 80 rhinos killed.
- Namibia is home to the second-largest white rhino population in the world. Its neighbor, South Africa, has the largest white rhino population.
- Elephant poaching has also fallen in Namibia; this year there have been two reported.
- According to the Ministry, the drop is due to intensified intelligence operations and harsher sentences and higher fines for poachers.
Good news from home
- Last but not least, some news from here in Canada!
- VegNews reported that the Toronto-based vegan Jamaican patty company Choose Life Foods is now available for shipping nationwide through online vegan retailer VeganSupply.com.
- The company currently offers patties in two flavors: coconut and kale, and beefless (a savory soy protein, available in mild or spicy).
- And, as we noted last month, the Government of Canada has committed to investing nearly $100 million in a new plant-based protein production facility in Winnipeg, recognizing that plant-based food is a fast-growing industry which is creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Despite all the challenges we face, we must not be discouraged. The plant-based movement continues to grow and even offers hope for a better future. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Photo by Joshua Coleman on Unsplash
