When someone decides to launch a mobile catering business, they usually have a good idea of the cuisine that they would like to specialise in. Or, they may have a few ideas that they want to explore before making a final decision.
However, some people have more of an open mind; they simply know that they want to start a business that involves serving delicious food to customers on-the-move.
If you fit in the second category, and you’re thinking about the type of food to specialise in, have you ever considered going vegan? Specialising in plant-based, meat- and dairy-free food could prove to be a very lucrative choice indeed, but it also has numerous other benefits aside from the potential profit. For more information and tips on vegan mobile catering, read our comprehensive guide.
Before we look at some compelling reasons to set up a vegan mobile catering business, you need to think about cover.
Mobilers can provide you with a catering insurance policy that reflects the unique needs of you and your mobile catering business. Our insurance experts can arrange protection for a wide range of vehicle types and purposes and can even cover fittings and fixtures which often exceed the price of the vehicle itself.
Why open a vegan mobile catering business?
Let’s look at five compelling reasons to launch your very own vegan-friendly mobile catering business:
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Veganism is a growing trend
There’s something of a ‘vegan boom’ happening at the moment. So says the Vegan Society, the number of vegans in Great Britain actually quadrupled between 2014 and 2019 – there were 600,000 vegans last year, which is 1.16% of the population. Here are some other compelling stats shared by the educational charity:
- A Sainsbury’s report predicted that vegetarians and vegans will make up a quarter of the British population in 2025.
- Food manufacturers released more vegan products in the UK in 2018 than in any other nation.
- A quarter of a million people signed up for Veganuary last year, up from 168,500 the previous year.
- The vegan food market is estimated to be worth around £310 million.
What these facts and figures tell us is that veganism is a growing trend – more and more people will switch to a plant-based diet in the months and years to come. Launch a vegan food truck or van, and you’ll be one step ahead of the game. It could really help to set your catering business apart from all the other trucks and vans and give you a competitive edge. Check out our recent blog on which cities in the UK are the best for a food truck business and how you can start up a roadside catering business.
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It’s better for the environment
We all have a moral duty to limit our impact on the environment as much as we can. A 2018 study from Oxford University discovered that avoiding meat and dairy is the single biggest way to reduce our environmental impact because animal farming provides just 18% of calories but uses up to 83% of our farmland.
It’s also predicted that animal agricultures contributed 18% of total greenhouse gas emissions across the five major sectors for emissions reporting. Within the agriculture sector alone, farmed animals make up almost 80% of all emissions.
By not selling meat or dairy, you can help make sure you don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that are damaging our planet.
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Something for everyone
Ultimately, by selling vegan food, you won’t be alienating any type of customer from your mobile catering business. Put it another way, if you only specialise in cheeseburgers, then you’re not going to appeal to vegetarians or vegans!
People who eat meat and dairy products will be willing to sample dishes from your menu if they are inventive and packed full of flavour. Who knows, it might be one of your meals that convinces someone to make the transition to a plant-based diet!
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More food flexibility
If vegan food is your specialty, then the world is your oyster! There’s only so much you can do to burgers, pizzas or chips to make them unique and different. However, choose to launch a vegan food truck and you can experiment with a huge range of cuisines – why not trial a vegan curry menu? Or mix things up with plant-based Mexican fare, featuring tasty tacos and tostadas?
After experimenting with a few ideas, you might choose to specialise in one type of cuisine. Or, you might choose to create a menu with dishes from across the globe, with one common thread: they are all vegan.
It might be that you mix things up depending on time of year, using the very best fresh and local ingredients to create scrumptious seasonal dishes. Plus, sourcing local ingredients is another way to boost your mobile catering van’s sustainability credentials and you’ll be doing your bit by supporting the local economy. It’s a win-win.
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Potentially less risk
Vegan diets still include ingredients which people are allergic to, such as nuts (in particular peanuts), soy and wheat. This means that food vendors must still follow protocol when handling allergens – for instance, preparing food safely, displaying any allergens in your meals and communicating them with staff and customers.
However, selling only vegan food means you won’t be handling typically high-risk foods such as raw meats, fish, dairy and poultry, which require an extra level of due diligence. This may bring some food vendors peace of mind.
Catering insurance from Mobilers
Whether you choose to specialise in vegan food, or feature some vegan options on your menu, we can help to protect your flourishing business with mobile catering insurance. A policy arranged through Mobilers can include benefits such as:
- With a panel of hand-picked insurers
- Instant cover available
- Full fire protection
- Cover for fixtures and fittings
- Mirror bonus available
- Cover available for people aged 21+
- Flexible payment options
- Exclusive discounts
- Third party towing risk covered under policies with fire cover (whilst cooking also included)
We can quote for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and as well as any fleet policies, with values ranging from £1,000 to £200,000.
Get a free catering insurance quote today!
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a successful mobile catering business?
Starting a successful mobile catering business requires strategic planning and a passion for food service. Firstly, identify your niche, be it gourmet food, BBQ, or vegan, this will set you apart in the market.
Next, create a detailed business plan outlining your strategies for marketing, operations, and finances. Then, secure the necessary permits and licenses according to your local regulations. Invest in a well-equipped food truck or trailer and high-quality cooking utensils.
Remember, success in the mobile catering business is not just about serving delicious food but also offering exceptional customer service.
Why is vegan food so popular?
Vegan food is soaring in popularity for a myriad of reasons. Firstly, it's health-conscious. Vegan diets have been linked to lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, and even weight loss. Secondly, vegan food is the ultimate choice for those who are ethically concerned about animal welfare.
Many people are choosing vegan catering for their events to make an ethical statement and introduce others to the tasty world of plant-based cuisine. Lastly, with the increasing focus on sustainable living, veganism is seen as one way to reduce our carbon footprint.
Is vegan food business profitable?
The demand for plant-based products has seen a significant increase, leading to substantial growth in the vegan food market. Entrepreneurs are capitalising on this trend, offering exciting, delicious, and innovative vegan options.
So, if you're considering stepping into the world of business, a vegan food venture could indeed be a profitable endeavour. Just remember, as with any business venture, success relies not only on a booming market but also on your dedication, creativity, and savvy business acumen.