As a chocolate maker, we understand how important it is to stay ahead of consumer needs and lifestyle choices, particularly when it comes to meeting the demand for vegan-friendly products. January marks the start of Veganuary, a month-long challenge encouraging people to adopt a vegan way of life. It has become a global movement, with millions signing up each year to try plant-based eating. For our trade partners, this presents an exciting opportunity to boost your sales by offering plant-based chocolate options during Veganuary.
Why Veganuary Is a Key Moment for Retailers
You’ve probably noticed the growing demand for vegan products across the chocolate market. This isn’t just a passing trend – Veganuary offers a unique chance for retailers to tap into an audience that’s actively searching for plant-based alternatives. The month of January has become synonymous with resolutions, where many consumers commit to healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Veganuary fits perfectly within this zeitgeist, encouraging people to try veganism for a month. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that veganism has been steadily increasing in popularity, especially among Millennials (born between 1981-1996) and Gen Z (from 1997-2012), who are often at the forefront of sustainable and health-conscious trends.
In fact, 700,000 people took part in Veganuary 2023 globally, and with these numbers expected to grow each year, it’s clear that there’s a massive opportunity for retailers like you to cater to this expanding market. Whether your customers are seasoned vegans or just looking to explore plant-based options for a month, offering vegan-friendly chocolates during this time positions you as a retailer who is aligned with the values of health, sustainability and ethical sourcing.
The Benefits of Offering Vegan Chocolate During Veganuary
Cater to an Expanding Market
The popularity of plant-based chocolate market is on the rise, and Veganuary is an ideal moment to stock vegan-friendly chocolate options in order to satisfy a growing customer base that values ethical sourcing, animal welfare and health-conscious eating.
At Choc Affair, our Oat M!lk chocolate bar collection, including Oat M!lk Chocolate Buttons and Oat M!lk Hot Chocolate, is crafted to meet the needs of both vegans and non-vegans who are looking to reduce their animal-based product consumption. Made with oat milk, it offers the same rich, creamy texture that customers expect from premium chocolate, making it a perfect choice for Veganuary. By offering products like ours, you not only meet the needs of your customers but also position your store as a brand that embraces inclusivity – after all, plant-based options are for everyone!
Align with Customer Values
Today’s consumers want more than just good products – they want products that align with their values, and dedicated vegans and vegan-curious shoppers are naturally committed to sustainability, cruelty-free practices and ethical sourcing. At Choc Affair, we’re proud to source our cocoa beans from Luker, who prioritise sustainable farming and fair wages for their farmers.
By offering chocolates that are ethically sourced and sustainably packaged, you’ll stand out in a competitive market where shoppers are increasingly making their purchases based on the broader impact of their choices. People want to know where their products come from and how they’re made.
Seasonal Surge in Demand
Veganuary brings heightened interest in vegan products, making January a key sales period for vegan chocolates. It’s a time when customers are looking to try something new, whether for health, environmental or ethical reasons. Offering plant-based chocolate in January lets you capitalise on this seasonal surge in demand.
We know that when the new year rolls around, many of your customers are eager to try plant-based options, whether to follow through on their New Year’s resolutions or simply as a curiosity. Your chocolate offerings can be the answer to their quest for indulgent yet ethical treats. Vegan chocolate is a perfect fit for this time of year, as it allows customers to enjoy their chocolate guilt-free, knowing that it aligns with their values.
How to Present Vegan-Friendly Products in Your Store
To maximise sales opportunities during Veganuary, it’s important to present your vegan chocolate offerings in a way that communicates their value. Here’s how you can effectively showcase these products:
Eye-Catching Displays
Visibility is key, and the more prominent your vegan chocolate selection is, the more likely it is to be noticed. Create dedicated sections in high-traffic areas like your front of shop, checkout counters or seasonal gift sections. Highlight your vegan offerings with large, clear signs like Vegan-Friendly or Plant-Based making it easier for customers to identify these options.
Use Clear and Engaging Signage
Customers want to know exactly what they’re purchasing, so make your messaging clear and compelling. Highlight key product attributes, such as Dairy-Free, Made with Oat Milk and Sustainably Sourced. You can also include certification logos, such as the Vegan Society or Fairtrade, to further assure customers that these products meet ethical and sustainable standards. This will help customers make informed purchasing decisions, particularly those who are new to veganism and are looking for reliable, ethical options.
Bundle Vegan Chocolates with Other Plant-Based Gifts
Bundle vegan chocolates with other plant-based products, such as vegan cookies or beverages, to create a curated ethical gift hamper that customers will love. These bundles can be marketed as perfect gifts for Veganuary, as they offer an easy way for customers to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, even for a short time.
Sampling and Tastings
If you can, offer samples of your vegan chocolates to allow customers to experience the quality for themselves. Offering free samples in-store gives hesitant buyers the opportunity to try the product before committing. This could be a great way to attract customers who are curious about vegan chocolates but are unsure of the taste or texture. Highlight how vegan chocolates can offer a rich, creamy flavour just like dairy-based options.
Engaging with Customers: In-Store and Online
Once you’ve got your vegan chocolate products well-presented, it’s time to engage with your customers, both in-store and online.
Train Your Staff to Educate Customers
Ensure your staff is knowledgeable about your vegan chocolate offerings. They should be able to share key details, such as the ethical sourcing practices, the ingredients used and how the product aligns with the Veganuary trend. By having your staff share this information with customers, you’ll build trust and credibility. Holding a company values session is a great way to educate and consolidate this knowledge, enabling your team to confidently answer customer questions and promote your vegan products.
Leverage Social Media
Use social media platforms to further amplify your Veganuary offerings. Share posts that highlight your vegan chocolates and promote them as great options for Veganuary. Share engaging content, such as product features or behind-the-scenes looks at how the chocolate is made. You can also encourage your customers to tag your store in their Veganuary posts, creating a sense of community around the products.
Storytelling
People love to buy products with a story. Share the story behind your vegan chocolate – how it’s made, the ethical sourcing practices and the impact it has on the cocoa farmers and their communities. When you share these values with your customers, you not only promote the product but also reinforce why choosing your vegan options is an impactful decision.
A Sweet Opportunity for Retailers
By offering vegan-friendly chocolates during Veganuary, you’re not just meeting the demand of a growing market; you’re aligning with a global movement focused on sustainability, health and ethics. January is the perfect time to showcase these products, and with the right in-store presentation, clear messaging and engagement with customers, you can make the most of this opportunity.
Interested in offering your customers vegan-friendly chocolates this January?
We’re thrilled to support your business with products like our Oat M!lk Chocolate. Find out more about becoming our trade partner here.