July 2004

The Vegetarian Society celebrates success as 12th National Vegetarian Week beats all previous records.

The 12th National Vegetarian Week organised by the Vegetarian Society and Official Partners, Cauldron Foods and the Mushroom Bureau, was a resounding success, with media coverage surpassing all previous records and circulation figures reaching close to one million!

500,000 fliers and 70,000 posters were distributed by restaurants, pubs, cafés and shops as well as schools and entertainment venues. More than 200 businesses also took advantage of the business opportunities presented by National Vegetarian Week with everything from product and book launches to special menus and dedicated events taking place all over the country.

Sporting specially produced National Vegetarian Week stickers, Sainsbury’s organic Portabella mushrooms grabbed plenty of consumer attention - sales reportedly increased by 15% during the week. Marks & Spencer chose to launch 4 new vegetarian ready-meals, and Waitrose produced National Vegetarian Week recipe cards.

Other high profile participants included CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and Pizza Express. Tony Jerome, CAMRA Press Manager commented:
“ National Vegetarian Week was the ideal initiative to highlight the variety of vegetarian beers. CAMRA, and brewers that produce vegetarian beers, received some very positive media coverage and we plan to join forces again with The Vegetarian Society in 2005.”

The Vegetarian Society’s official report on National Vegetarian Week 2004 can be read online at www.vegsoc.org/nvw

National Vegetarian Week 2005 will take place from 23rd – 29th May. There will be opportunities to get involved as an Official Partner or through events and promotions. For more information please contact matt@vegsoc.org.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more press information about National Vegetarian Week 2004 and images from the leaflet and poster campaign please contact The Vegetarian Society Press Office:

Kerry: 0161 925 2012, 07973 108 165 kerry@vegsoc.org
Liz: 0161 925 2013, 07973 108 167 liz@vegsoc.org

Alternatively visit www.vegsoc.org/nvw

Contact for the Mushroom Bureau: Victoria Lloyd Davies, 0207 261 1086

Contact for Cauldron Foods: Matt Huxtable, 01275 818448

Press Officer press@vegsoc.org
For the latest Vegetarian Society press releases visit www.vegsoc.org
The Vegetarian Society
Direct line - 0161 925 2012
Fax 0161 926 9182
Registered Charity: 259358

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