Asda introduces vegan-only aisle across hundreds of stores

Launch will include more than 100 new plant-based products

Asda has been praised by shoppers for launching an aisle dedicated to plant-based foods across hundreds of its stores.

The supermarket has announced that, starting this week, 359 of its stores will have at least two bays devoted solely to meat and dairy-free food products in a move it claims is a first in the UK.

It means the new aisles will launch in around half of Asda's almost 600 UK supermarkets.

While one side of the aisle will be stocked with savoury products including proteins, cooking sauces and condiments, the other will contain snacks and sweet lines.

Currently, such items are spread around different locations in stores, making it difficult for vegan shoppers to find the products they are looking for.

Asda has also confirmed that the vegan-only aisles will be introducing 104 new products including Asda's own brand vegan range, as well as items from brands such as Bosh, Galaxy, Mrs Crimbles, and Vego.

Sarah Thornewill, Asda’s buying manager, said: “We understand that customers want a quick and simple shopping experience, and this shouldn’t be restricted by dietary requirements.

“By merchandising all our vegan items together, we hope to save customers time and offer inspiration, whether for those following a plant-based diet, or those looking to reduce their meat consumption.”

Following the announcement, Asda customers have praised the supermarkets for its decision, with some saying it will make for a “simpler shopping experience”.

“I am *very* much a fan of Asda creating a vegan aisle,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another added “Brilliant idea! No more need to wander about wondering where things might be, or worse, having a nauseating walk down a meat/cheese aisle to reach #vegan products. Thank you @asda - fingers crossed other supermarkets will follow.”

A third person wrote: “Just heard @asda are adding in a #vegan aisle. Thank you @asda. Shopping is stressful enough atm, without having to scour every aisle for the vegan options. I look forward to a simpler shopping experience."

The supermarket made the decision to introduce a vegan-only aisle after searches for vegan lines on its website increased by 275 per cent since 2019, while research Asda carried out in January found 17 per cent of households were reducing their meat intake or following a plant-based diet.

In January this year, the retailer also launched 51 own-label, plant-based and Vegan Society-approved ready meals, snacks, pizzas and food-to-go options across its stores.

Asda is not the first supermarket to respond to growing interest in vegan foods.

In 2018, Sainsbury’s added 21 new vegan-friendly products to its current range following increasing demand, including vegan mince and burgers.

Similarly in January, Co-op announced a new range of vegan food for 2020, describing the launch as “the largest ever product rollout of own-brand vegan products by a supermarket”.