Vegetarianism - There’s nothing fishy about it!

This summer (2003)The Vegetarian Society is launching a brand new campaign to improve awareness amongst caterers and restaurateurs that vegetarians don’t eat fish!

The ‘Fishconception’ Campaign has been developed in response to a common experience reported by many vegetarians trying to order vegetarian food in omnivorous restaurants. A survey carried out by The Vegetarian Society has revealed that a shocking 85% of vegetarians have visited eating establishments that are labouring under the misconception that vegetarians eat fish. Clearly this myth needs to be debunked, so The Vegetarian Society, a registered educational charity, is taking the helm and steering caterers in the right direction.

The Vegetarian Society is taking a two finned approach, firstly with a light hearted advertising campaign in food trade press and, secondly, by encouraging direct customer feedback to eateries whose staff don’t know their veggies from their pesky-vores! That some people seem to be under the illusion that a fish is a vegetable brings to mind the classic Panorama Spaghetti Harvest April Fool of 1957. This provided the inspiration behind the ‘Fishconception’ Campaign, and will, hopefully, raise a few chuckles as well as awareness of the needs of vegetarian consumers.

The Vegetarian Society understands that many people are uncomfortable talking to restaurant staff (or even friends and relatives), about their dietary needs. After all nobody wants to be thought of as awkward or confrontational. To help, we have produced a set of wallet-sized cards giving the definition of vegetarianism and details about the free caterers’ advice and recipe packs available from The Vegetarian Society. These cards can be given to the chef or manager, or left discreetly on the table.

To obtain your free set of cards please e-mail fishcampaign@vegsoc.org or phone The Vegetarian Society Events Officer on 0161 925 2030. Tell us if you are a caterer and we will also send you our new caterers pack and some inspirational recipes.

Notes for editors

FISH – “a cold blooded animal, living wholly in water” (Oxford English Dictionary)

The official launch of the Fishconception Campaign takes place between 12 and 2pm on Tuesday August 12th with a fun photo opportunity and results of The Vegetarian Society Survey - ‘Caterers Fishconceptions’. HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LAUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT www.newscast.co.uk
Please contact Kerry on 0161 925 2012 for more information.

Photographs featured in the advertising campaign and images of the ‘Fishconceptions’ calling cards are available from the Press Office on 0161 925 2012, Outside office hours The Vegetarian Society Press Office can be contacted on 07973 108 165.

Alternatively visit the website for information about vegetarian nutrition, products, eateries, cookery courses and recipes at www.vegsoc.org

The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as a person who eats no meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea. Vegetarians also avoid the by-products of slaughter such as gelatine or animal rennet in cheese. The Society only approves products containing eggs when they are free-range.

For more information about Redwoods Wholefoods ‘Making Waves’ fish-free products please contact Tracey Williams on 01225 723237.

To find out more about why vegetarians don’t eat fish please visit PETA’s informative website, www.fishinghurts.com