FOOD-to-go firm Deli Lites in Warrenpoint has launched two new ranges to meet growing consumer demand for tasty meat-free products as more people turn to vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian lifestyles.
The firm's first fully plant-based range is a chef-led product line-up which is full of innovative flavour combinations and features dishes such as buffalo cauliflower with spiced cous cous tabouleh and maple harissa dressing; curried chickpea with mango chutney and cashew crumble; spiced fritters with beetroot hummus, kale & candied walnuts and creamy roasted pepper & tomato pasta.
The new vegan-friendly range will be available from retailers across Ireland, with plans to extend availability through its distribution lines into the UK.
In addition to its own Deli Lites plant-based range, the company has collaborated with nutritionist-led start up business Kitchen Vegilantes to create a second range featuring a host of ready-meals and food-to-go products that are 100 per cent meat-free and packed full of plant-based proteins, including a number of vegan and vegetarian versions of many popular meat dishes.
Kitchen Vegilantes was founded by qualified personal trainer and nutritionist Kevan Jordan. The collaboration was important to Deli Lites co-founders Brian and Jackie Reid, who are passionate about supporting small like-minded businesses.
Brian Reid, who'll be the new director of Kitchen Vegilantes, said: “Deli Lites has continuously sought ways to incorporate an array of choice within our product lines.
“As more and more people opt to reduce or completely phase out meat and dairy, it’s even more important to us that we are able to offer products which meet changing lifestyles and diets but don’t compromise on quality or taste.
“By working with our chef-led innovation team and the minds behind Kitchen Vegilantes, the two new plant-based ranges have been created by experts in their field to be nutritious and full of flavour in order to appeal to a wide range of consumers, not just those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
“We will continue to focus on meeting and exceeding consumer needs by creating products packed with quality Irish ingredients. As a company, we also have a strong ethos of sustainability engrained in everything we do, and we are conscious of how our products will impact the environment at every
stage.
“From the sourcing of ingredients, to hand-made production of products, and plastic free packaging using organic recyclable clear-flow wrap film in place of plastic, everything from the product to packaging in these new ranges is proudly plant-based.”
Kevan Jordan, founder of Kitchen Vegilantes, said: “Having worked in the health, nutrition and fitness industry for many years, we are acutely aware of the importance of quality plant-based food to fuel healthy lifestyles.
“The partnership with Deli Lites has provided the ideal opportunity to develop great tasting products which are packed with natural plant-based proteins, are low in calories, and also taste delicious. We’re excited to promote this range and hope to develop even more product lines in the future.”
Deli Lites Ireland, founded by the Reids in 1998 and now employing almost 300, supplier many major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Boots and Applegreen, as well as local food service companies.
