In January 2024, about 13 percent of surveyed Brits stated that they follow a flexitarian diet. Substituting a vegetarian diet with meat or fish was similarly common in earlier surveys. If the numbers are broken down by gender, it is revealed that more women follow this type of diet than men.

In Great Britain, women are more likely to follow a flexitarian diet and only occasionally supplement their vegetarian diet with meat or fish products. In **** consecutive surveys, the share of female respondents following such a diet was **** to ***** percent higher than males. In the most recent survey, ****** percent of responding men in Great Britain followed a flexitarian diet and ** percent of responding women.

The most likely demographic group in Great Britain in 2019 to follow a flexitarian diet, also called semi-vegetarian, were females aged between 18 and 24 as well as females over 55 years both at 18 percent. In contrast, the least likely, at eight percent, were males aged between 35 and 44 years.

As of 2019, the largest share of population, at ** percent, who followed a flexitarian diet was in Inner London. In contrast, the smallest proportion of population was found in West Midlands and Wales.

As of January 2019, just under ** percent of the population identified themselves as meat-eaters in the United Kingdom (UK). Approximately **** percent described themselves as flexitarian or semi-vegetarian. The third most popular dietary choice, with around ***** percent, was lacto-ovo-vegetarianism.

Veganism in the UK

Due to the small share of vegans in the overall population and due to the margin of error in surveys, it is difficult to exactly pinpoint the share of vegans. Other sources put the share of vegans in Great Britain at *** percent or at roughly ******* persons as of 2018. The main reason for becoming vegan were ethical motivations, including animal welfare and environmental concerns.

Dietary trends in the UK

London was the center for all food trends in the UK that aimed to reduce or eliminate meat, fish or animal product consumption, whether vegans, flexitarians, pescatarians or vegetarians. A significant number of consumers consider reducing their consumption of the above-mentioned products. To supply demand, a notable industry has established itself to deliver on suitable products for these consumers. In 2017, sales revenues of vegetarian products amounted to about *** million British pounds in the United Kingdom alone. The market for these products and meat substitutes is likely to grow far beyond that in the coming decades.

In 2022, about ****** million British pounds was spent by consumers on chilled vegetarian products in the United Kingdom. Since 2011 the spending on chilled vegetarian foods has been growing and has more than doubled. However, if we look at the complete market for chilled food the vegetarian category’s size pales in comparison to other categories such as sliced cooked meats or ready meals with the former accounting for over * billion in consumer spending. Vegetarianism in the UK In the UK, ** percent of people were self-identified meat eaters and * percent followed a flexitarian diet (also called semi-vegetarian in the survey). Those who were either vegetarians or vegetarians that also consume fish made up a combined * percent. Among people in Europe who planned to eat less meat, negative health effects of meat consumption was the number one reason for them to plan to reduce their meat intake. In Great Britain, the main reason to become a vegetarian or vegan were animal welfare concerns, followed by the impression that their new dietary lifestyle was healthier for them.

According to the Statista Global Consumer Survey carried out between July 2023 and June 2024 in the United Kingdom, members of the baby boomer generational cohort were the most likely to agree with the statement that they actively try to eat healthy. The younger the respondents, the less likely they were to agree with the statement. For more countries, the results of prior surveys, and a variety of other topics, please visit our Global Consumer Survey web page.

Dietary habits among millennials in the UK The millennials are the largest generational cohort in the UK, with almost **** million people. In 2020, millennials surpassed the baby boomer generation as the largest generation for the first time. The most popular type of diet among millennials in the UK is the flexitarian diet, which consists of eating mostly plant-based foods while occasionally eating meat and fish. Approximately ** percent of millennials are flexitarians. Moreover, around ** percent of millennials follow a low- or no-carb diet. As compared to other generations, a relatively high share of millennials either do not eat meat or intend to go meat-free in the future. Only Generation Z has a higher share of people who either follow a meat-free diet already or intend to do so in the future. The impact of price increases on healthy eating in the UK Being able to eat healthy is one of the most common food-related concerns among consumers in the UK, as stated by about ** percent of British consumers. The top food-related concern, however, is the food price. Starting in August 2021, food prices in the UK have increased rapidly. In March 2023, the food inflation peaked at **** percent. Prices have declined since. The increase in the cost of living in the UK has also impacted the healthy eating habits of consumers. Approximately ** percent of consumers state that they eat less healthy to save money, while ** percent state that they work more hours and have thus less time to cook.

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Ethical Label Market Size 2024-2028

The ethical label market size is forecast to increase by USD 245.9 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing concerns and awareness surrounding the consumption of responsibly produced food and sustainable meat products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices and are seeking out labels that assure the ethical treatment of animals and sustainable farming practices. However, this market faces challenges in keeping up with changing food regulations and ensuring transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Emerging technologies such as blockchain, global positioning system tracking, and artificial intelligence are enhancing traceability and transparency in the supply chain. Producers and retailers must navigate these complexities to meet consumer demands and maintain trust in the market.

What will be the Size of the Ethical Label Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market, also known as the market for environmentally friendly and sustainability-certified food products, has experienced significant growth in recent years. Authorities and consumers alike prioritize food safety and transparency, driving demand for labels indicating organic production, adherence to cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease prevention standards, and certifications for halal food and animal welfare. Ethical labels signaling clean production methods, free from artificial sweeteners and flavors, resonate with flexitarian consumers. Online channels are increasingly important distribution points for these products, catering to diverse populations with specific dietary needs and preferences.

How is the Ethical Label Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Food
  Beverage


Geography

  North America

    US


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Europe

    UK


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The global food market has seen a significant shift towards ethical and sustainable practices in response to international obligations on labor rights and food security established post-World War II. The UN, among other organizations, has played a crucial role in promoting food security and ethical labor conditions. The pendulum swung back towards free trade in the 1970s, leading to the emergence of fair and ethical commerce in the agriculture and food sectors. Ethical labels such as Organic, Halal, Fairtrade, Kosher, Vegan, and Animal Welfare have gained popularity, reflecting consumer preferences for transparency and sustainability. Environmental friendliness, sustainability standards, and food safety are key concerns for authorities and commercial buyers.

Technologies like Blockchain, Global Positioning System, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning are being employed to ensure traceability, temperature, humidity, and air quality control in the production and distribution of foods and beverages. The millennial and baby boomer populations, as well as flexitarian consumers, are driving demand for clean labels, free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. Halal and Organic food segments are particularly significant in catering to the Muslim population and health-conscious consumers, respectively. Online and physical retail channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and commercial buyers, are adapting to these trends.

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The Food segment was valued at USD 617.90 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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Another region offering significant growth opportunities to companies is North America. The North American food and beverage industry is witnessing an increasing emphasis on ethical labeling in response to stricter food safety regulations. In December 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the Laboratory Accreditation rule under the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), passed in 2011. This regulation focuses on preventing food contamination rather than just mitigating foodborne diseases, leadin

In a series of surveys conducted in 2024, roughly ** percent of Indian respondents indicated that they typically follow a diet that excludes meat. These individuals reported adhering to vegan, vegetarian, or pescetarian lifestyles, reflecting a strong preference for plant-based or seafood-only diets among a substantial portion of the population. What kind of diets that cut or reduce meat are there? Among the most popular meat-free diets are flexitarian, pescatarian, and vegan. The flexitarian diet is the least restrictive, focusing on vegetarian foods while occasionally allowing meat and fish. The pescatarian diet includes vegetarian foods along with fish and seafood. In contrast, veganism is the most restrictive, being entirely plant-based and excluding all animal products. Meat substitute products, or alternatives, are a popular replacement for meat. In Germany, millennials and Gen Z are the most likely to regularly consume substitutes. Meat-free diets in the UK and Great Britain In April 2023, around ** percent of individuals surveyed in the United Kingdom indicated their agreement with the statement, "Generally speaking, meat-free diets are more beneficial for the environment." In comparison, a mere **** percent of respondents voiced strong disagreement with this perspective, suggesting a significant portion of the population recognizes the environmental advantages of reducing meat consumption. In January 2024, Generation Z in Great Britain represented the highest percentage of adults planning to cut meat from their diets in the coming year. Approximately ** percent of respondents stated their intention to avoid meat in 2024, while an equal percentage reported already adhering to a meat-free lifestyle.