A report commissioned by the British Takeaway Campaign (BTC), an umbrella body led by Just Eat, has revealed orders of vegan cuisine have increased 388% from 2016-18, while demand for vegetarian food has risen 136%.
Other cuisines to see significant growth over the last two years are Greek (69%), Caribbean (56%), Persian (34%) and Thai (24%).
Overall consumer spending on food delivery has risen from £10.6bn in 2015 to £12.5bn in 2018, and is forecast to reach £15bn by 2023.
Northern Irish households spend an average of £57 per month on takeaways, more than anywhere else in the UK, while those in the east Midlands spend the least (£31).
“The takeaway sector has firmly established itself as an engine room of the UK economy – providing growth, jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs to start up their own thriving businesses," says Ibrahim Dogus, chair of the BTC.
“As people look for healthier and more diverse eating options, they aren’t turning away from takeaways – they are turning towards them."
The report highlighted access to skilled workers as a major concern for takeaway businesses, with the BTC calling for the introduction of a points-based immigration system which recognises chefs as having ‘strategic long-term value to the economy’.
“What we need from the Government are policies that support this Great British success story," says Dogus.
"That means more vocational training for young Brits and an immigration system that ensures that skilled chefs can come to the UK too.”
