There was an eager crowd around the Vegan Society’s ‘Vegan Deli’ stand at the Auckland Food Show last weekend.

The stand showcased vegan products from local companies, from Angel Food’s award-winning cream cheese to black pudding from Logan MacLean Café in Waipu. Amanda Sorrenson, national coordinator for the Vegan Society of Aotearoa, was thrilled with the response.

“In past years some people have been reluctant to taste what we have on offer, but this year almost everyone wanted to try,” she says.

“It’s great to see the positivity towards vegan options. Most people visiting the stand were either looking to incorporate more plant-based meals in their diets, or had a family member or friend who’d be interested.”

Alice Shopland, Founder of Angel Food, says her team’s experience at the trade-only Fine Food Show in June was very similar.

“At previous events we sometimes had to work quite hard to overcome negative perceptions and get people to try the products! Now the vast majority are familiar with the idea of vegan alternatives, and they’re usually keen to try them.”