May 2004

National Vegetarian Week 24th - 30th May 2004

VEGETARIAN FUTURE SAFE IN THE HANDS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Attempts by the meat industry to dismiss vegetarianism as a passing fad were dealt a new blow today as research commissioned by The Vegetarian Society for National Vegetarian Week 2004 (24-30 May) revealed that teenagers are giving up meat in greater numbers than ever before.

Far from being ‘old news’ the future of vegetarianism is safe in the hands of the youngest generation as the BMRB study showed that more than a quarter of a million 15-19 year olds are already committed to a vegetarian lifestyle, while 25% of 11-14 year olds who are not already veggie say they would consider giving up meat.

Around 5% of the UK adult population is vegetarian, but media coverage in the last two years has focussed heavily on famous faddy-eaters adopting fashionable high-protein diets. But as youngsters learn that a vegetarian diet is the easiest way to meet the government’s recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day, continued steady growth in meat-free eating is guaranteed.

The Vegetarian Society was founded in 1847, with some four hundred members. The number of vegetarians in the UK has doubled in the past 10 years and both research and industry sales figures indicate that a third of the population eat meat only occasionally*. This new study found that 7% of 15-19 year olds are vegetarian, rising to 13% in the trend-setting South East.

National Vegetarian Week 2004 is the twelfth annual celebration of vegetarian food and lifestyles, coordinated by The Vegetarian Society. Further information is available on www.vegsoc.org and a free 24-page guide to going vegetarian is available by calling 0161 925 2000.

NOTES TO EDITORS

New figures were prepared for The Vegetarian Society by ACCESS, the Omnibus Division at BMRB International, during face to face interviews with 814 11-19 year olds between 25 March and 28 April 2004.

*Gallup Poll for Realeat, 2001

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 further information on National Vegetarian Week or any aspect of vegetarianism, 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