Tesco, the UK’s leading supermarket chain, just launched its own-brand line of allergen-friendly vegan cheese in its Ireland locations. The plant-based collection was spotted at a Tesco in Bray by a member of the Dublin Vegans, a community Facebook group.
The company first launched the “Free From” cheese line in April 2017, following the success of Sainsbury’s own-brand vegan cheeses, a UK grocery competitor. Tesco partnered with Bute Island Foods, which also helped to create Sainsbury’s line, to develop its own range. Tesco’s collection is extensive, featuring options to suit almost any cheesy craving. The range includes a Blue Style Wedge, Mature Cheddar Wedge, Sliced Red Leicester, Grated Mozzarella, Grated Parmesan, Smoked Cheddar Round, and Soft Cheese. The coconut-based products are also gluten-free.
Although UK customers have enjoyed these plant-based cheeses for over a year, Ireland consumers have not been afforded the opportunity, until now. The Dublin Vegans Facebook post revealed a full shelf lined with the stores’ vegan cheeses, sporting a bold “NEW” sign next to each price tag.
Tesco has proven to be a leader in the plant-based movement among UK and Irish supermarkets. The company has demonstrated major efforts in expanding its vegan offerings, both through its Free From brand and partnerships with cruelty-free businesses. This plant-based push could also be credited to Chef Derek Sarno, who acts as Tesco’s executive chef and director of plant-based innovation. Sarno makes up one half of the Wicked Healthy duo with his brother, Chad, who together have created a “free from animals” culinary brand, including a recipe blog and cookbook.
Ireland may not yet have quite as many vegan options as the UK, but the country has seen significant progress. In the greater Dublin area, The Happy Pear cafes and food stores offer wholesome plant-based fuel available for dine-in or take-out. One can also find homemade vegan meats and sauces courtesy of Moodley Manor at select Dublin restaurants or by following the Moodley Manor food truck. Further, dairy sales have seen a steady decline amongst Irish consumers, so much so that the dairy industry has created a propaganda campaign against plant-based alternatives that threaten milk and cheese sales.
Image Credit: Dublin Vegans and Beckyp24
This post was last modified on December 15, 2020 6:32 am