Source: FOOD DIVE
Plant-based food has seen a higher growth rate than general food sales during the coronavirus pandemic, according to SPINS statistics for the 16 weeks ended April 19 analyzed by the Plant Based Foods Association. Compared with last year, plant-based sales were up 90% in mid-March as consumers stocked pantries and freezers. In the four weeks after that, plant-based food sales grew at a rate of 27% more than 2019 and 35% faster than the food category in general.
Sales of plant-based meat have skyrocketed during the pandemic. All plant-based meat sales are up 148% versus 2019, and sales grew twice as fast as conventional equivalents during the four months analyzed. Refrigerated plant-based meat saw the most growth, with sales spiking at 241% compared to 2019 during the pantry loading peak. In the weeks following, the category has grown 113% over last year.
Other plant-based categories also have seen strong sales peaks. Plant-based cheese sales were up 95% compared to 2019 in mid-March. Sales in this category have remained on an upward trend, with a growth rate of 54% in the four weeks after the consumer buying peak. Tofu and tempeh sales were up 88% over 2019 in mid-March, and have grown at a 35% clip since then.