Pret a Manger is planning to ramp up its focus on the plant-based market with the expansion of its Veggie Pret brand.
The chain is in talks to buy ‘the majority’ of sandwich chain Eat’s 96 stores to assist the development of its vegetarian and vegan branch, according to reports.
At the moment Pret only has four Veggie Pret stores – one in Manchester and three in London – so the acquisition is a sign that the company is looking to hugely up its plant-based game.
Eat’s stores are mostly in London, but the sandwich chain also has locations in Birmingham and Manchester.
The London Evening Standard reported that Pret was looking to capitalise on a rapidly growing demand for plant-based options.
But Pret has since refused to comment on the deal, saying in a statement: “We never comment on rumour or speculation.”
Overhaul
Last month Pret announced an overhaul of its menu, which saw all sites introduce eight new plant-based options.
The range includes homemade gluten-free bread topped with smashed avocado for £3.25, coconut, five berry compote, fresh blueberries and coconut chips for £3.25 or with almond butter and berry bircher for £2.35.
Pret also now stocks tropical bircher granola for £2.99, a hummus and chipotle wrap for £2.99, a roast mushroom and smashed avocado pot for £2.99 or the Asian-style veggie box at £4.50.
Pret’s Head of Food Development, Hannah Dolan, at the time of release said in a statement: “Our new range is big on vegan food and veg. There’s a real emphasis on that because that’s what customers want.
“We’re so excited to launch our colourful new spring menu, our biggest change in our history, which is a result of listening to what our customers want.
“Our team of chefs have taken inspiration from all over the world for this new menu and have worked incredibly hard to perfect each and every ingredient. From flavoursome roasted mushrooms, to our own gluten-free bread, which we honestly believe is one of the best out there right now.”
Pret joins a list of high street retailers reacting to a growing vegan market.
Tesco, Saindbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose have all introduced extensive vegan ranges, while Tesco has recently closed down the meat and fish counter in 90 stores due to drastically falling demand.
What do you think of Pret’s new range? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
75% of Brits prefer vegan cars, says new study
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th May 2022
A number of companies already offer a variety of plant-based leathers using everything from apples and cactus to pineapple leaves. A new poll has revealed that a majority of UK motorists are keen on buying fully vegan cars. In a research commissioned by the Vegan Society, people were asked about their opinions on vegan cars …
Continue reading “75% of Brits prefer vegan cars, says new study”
Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers die caught in animal traps
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 25th April 2022
It is estimated that fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers have died after being caught in traps on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. This is the latest blow for a species whose numbers are estimated to have dropped to about several hundreds. Local authorities found two of the dead …
Continue reading “Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers die caught in animal traps”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …