Exciting times! Plant-Based Foods of Canada,
an industry group devoted to promoting plant-based foods and
vegan eating, recently launched.
A division of industry association Food &
Consumer Products of Canada, the group was formed to assist the regulatory and
market interests of plant-based companies. According to VegNews magazine, PBFA will “take action on emerging issues
affecting the vegan food sector, which is worth an estimated $3 billion, and “partner
with governments and leading stakeholders to promote innovation and growth.
Reportedly, the founding members of PBFA are Daiya Foods,
Earth’s Own
Foods, Lightlife
Foods, Hain Celestial, and Field Roast.
Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Hain Celestial
Canada, the parent company of vegan brands such as Dream and Yves Veggie
Cuisine, said:
The time has come for the plant-based food industry to build upon its collective voice within Canada. In the next five to 10 years, we are going to see rapid growth in the interest and consumption of plant-based foods. It’s happening already. As industry continues to move into the mainstream, it’s critical that it has a voice to accurately represent it and help shape the direction it takes for the benefit of all Canadians.
The new Canadian lobby group is similar to the Plant Based Foods Association, which launched in the U.S.
in 2016. The Plant Based Foods Association also works to bring
together like-minded companies and promote their products.
Promoting plant-based foods and ensuring
companies that make meat, dairy, and egg replacements have a prominent voice is
incredibly important, especially considering the factory farming industry spends millions on lobbying each
year.
Fortunately, veganism is booming in Canada. In
fact, a recent study from Dalhousie University finds that nearly 10 percent of Canadians consider themselves vegetarian or
vegan. According to the research, 2.3 million Canadians are
vegetarian, an increase from just 900,000 in 2003, while about 850,000 label
themselves vegan.
More people enjoying vegan food is great news
for the billions
of animals who suffer at factory farms. Cows, pigs, chickens, and
fish raised and killed for food are subjected to unthinkable cruelties: tiny,
filthy cages; horrific mutilations; and violent slaughter.
Sounds terrible, right? See for yourself.
Join the millions who are taking a stand for animals,
the environment, and their own health by switching to a vegan diet. Get a
copy of our free
Vegetarian Starter Guide
today. And check out our Pinterest page with hundreds of vegan recipes!