CORK-BASED DRAGON'S DEN ENTREPRENEUR AMONG WINNERS OF PETA'S VEGAN FOOD AWARDS 2014

26th September 2014

Dee's Wholefoods Honoured for Meeting Growing Demand for Healthy, Humane, Eco-Friendly Vegan Food

The demand for vegan fare in the UK has skyrocketed in recent years – the non-dairy milk market grew by 155 per cent in just two years, the market for meat-free products shot up 21 per cent in five years and government surveys reveal the lowest rates of meat and fish consumption in at least a decade. That's why PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat" – had no trouble finding volunteers to taste-test the hottest plant-based products on the market for the second annual Vegan Food Awards. PETA is delighted to announce that Cork-based Dee's Wholefoods has won in the category of Best Vegan Sausage for Dee's Traditional Vegan Sausage.

"Dee's is thrilled to win this award" says founder Dee Collins. "I spent two years developing a delicious vegan sausage that is loved not only by vegans but by meat-eaters too! We create vegan food that is tasty and delicious for everyone to enjoy! This benefits our bodies, animals and the planet and helps get the vegan message out there, Thanks PETA!"

"PETA's winners are the perfect example of how today's businesses – from the finest hotels to the price-conscious supermarket – are meeting the demand for food that's healthy, humane and eco-friendly", says PETA's Mimi Bekhechi. "With so many delicious products available at the click of a button and at the local grocery store, there has never been a better time to go vegan."

In addition to causing the suffering of animals on factory farms, raising and killing animals for food is catastrophic for the environment. The United Nations has said that a move towards a vegan diet is necessary to offset the worst effects of climate change. The consumption of dairy products and other animal-derived items has also been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Whether out of environmental concern, to alleviate animal suffering or for health reasons, interest in a plant-based diet is higher than ever before. Celebrities such as US President Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Anne Hathaway, Jared Leto and Scotland's own Alan Cumming are praising the benefits of a plant-based diet, so it's no surprise that Forbes magazine recently named high-end vegan dining a top food trend.

To read about all the winners, please visit PETA.org.uk

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