UK retailer Waitrose has expanded its PlantLiving range with several new products, reporting a surge in plant-based convenience food sales, as well as introducing a new packaging initiative.

The retailer reported that sales of key plant-based ready meals, such as its Vegetable Tikka Masala & Rice and its Smoky Chilli & Rice, were up 17% and 5% respectively in early January compared with the same period last year.

Additionally, its recent research indicated that 46% of consumers are already trying to eat, or are interested in eating, 30 different plants a week.

With this in mind, Waitrose has added several new convenience products to its PlantLiving range, including Aubergine, Mushroom & Edamame Pillows with Soy & Ginger; Vietnamese Style Vegetable Pancakes with a Lime and Chilli Dip; Indian Inspired Takaeaway Feast; Creamy Spinach Ravioli; Rainbow Vegetable Fritters; No Chicken Vegetarian Samosa; and a dairy-free Tiramisu dessert option.

Additionally, the retailer has added a new ‘plant varieties’ logo to 14 of its PlantLiving product packaging, informing consumers of the number of plant varieties in each product. This follows Waitrose’s research showing that 87% of consumers agree that having this information on labels would help them to actively get their 30 different plants in each week.

Abby Catmull, vegan product developer at Waitrose, said: “Our new PlantLiving: Vietnamese Style Vegetable Pancakes with a Lime and Chilli Dip contains 11 plant varieties, providing customers with a third of their 30-plants weekly goal in one snack. Packed with beansprouts, cabbage and oyster mushrooms, to name a few, these pancakes are delicious served with the accompanying zingy nuoc cham style dipping sauce.”

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