Demand for Veggie Meals Quadrupled in New Zealand

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Vegetarian Trend Hits NZ Tables

Press Release by Sanitarium Nutrition Education

Service at 11:34am, 1st October 2001

 

Top New Zealand chefs agree that the demand for

vegetarian dishes has quadrupled over the last five

years.

 

This trend is confirmed by research released today by

the Sanitarium Nutrition Education Service to mark

World Vegetarian Day, October 1st. The research,

undertaken by ACNielsen* indicates that, compared to

five years ago, over a quarter of New Zealanders (26%)

aged 15 years and over eat more meals without meat.

 

Head Chef at MJs in Auckland, Michael James, has seen

a marked increase in the number of vegetarian meal

requests.

 

" Over the last five years vegetarian requests have

tripled and to match that we have increased the

vegetarian options available on our menu " , he says.

 

" I think people are chosing vegetables over meat as

they see the vegetarian option as a health conscious

move " , said Mr James.

 

The research also indicated that 17% of the 15 years

plus population often eats, or only ever eats meals

without meat.

 

Sanitarium's Nutrition Education Service Manager, Kim

Stirling says that this research suggests New

Zealanders are becoming more conscious of their health

and well being.

 

" There is plenty of evidence that eating more plant

food can offer significant health benefits " , she says.

 

 

New Zealanders have acknowledged that the vegetarian

option can also be a tasty one with nearly half (46%)

of those surveyed by ACNielsen stating that meals

without meat are not boring.

 

Sanitarium's Nutrition Education Service supports a

balanced, healthy diet based on a variety of plant

foods such as whole grains, nuts and seeds, fruits and

vegetables and legumes. The Nutrition Education

Service offers advice on all aspects of nutrition to

health professionals and consumers.

 

Mrs Stirling says it is important for those adopting a

vegetarian diet to ensure it is balanced and includes

all food groups.

 

Chefs throughout the country were questioned regarding

their changing menus, including Michael James of MJs

in Auckland, Adrian Woodhouse of Braisserie Flip in

Wellington, Jason Robinson of Annies Wine Bar in

Christchurch and Michael Coughlin of Bell Pepper Blue

Restaurant in Dunedin.

 

Sanitarium is encouraging New Zealanders to step

outside their usual cuisine on World Vegetarian Day

and try a new vegetarian meal option.

 

ENDS

http://newsroom.co.nz/story/67397.html

 

 

 

 

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In, September 2001, I took part in the World's Largest Garbage Collection,

during the CA Coastal Cleanup day. Statewide, more than 35,000 cleanup

volunteers got in the Guinness Book of World Records. Want to join me in the

year 2002 and break a NEW world record? Maybe I can get us a free t-shirt too.

 

 

 

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