> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://veganvigil.gitbook.io/overview/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://veganvigil.gitbook.io/overview/welcome/efficacy/accelerating-popularity.md).

# Accelerating Popularity

## 2021

There has been a steady rise in Google trends around the term "plant-based" - interest is 4x more today \[2021] than it was 5 years ago\
<https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&q=plant-based>

Israel became the first country to outlaw fur in fashion, in 2021\
<https://www.npr.org/2021/06/14/1006279660/israel-has-become-the-first-country-to-ban-the-sale-of-fur-clothing>

US outlawed shark fin in 2021. Now, the acts of "shark finning" (catching them and cutting their fins off), possessing shark fins, and buying or selling shark fins are all illegal.\
<https://vegnews.com/2021/6/us-senate-ban-on-shark-fin-sales>

In 2021, plant-based shake Soylent outpaced dairy-based protein shakes in US grocery. Soylent grew by 57.4% that year whereas "the general protein shake category" only grew 21%. <https://impact.soylent.com/>

## 2020

Veganism is a philosophical belief protected by law in the UK as of 2020-01-03\
"Ethical veganism is philosophical belief, tribunal rules \[...] "Religion or belief" is one of nine "protected characteristics" covered by the Equality Act 2010. \[...] The judge Robin Postle ruled that ethical veganism qualifies as a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010 by satisfying several tests - including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others. \[...] Employers will have to respect ethical veganism and make sure they do not discriminate against employees for their beliefs."\
<https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50981359>

Veganism hit an all-time high of popularity in 2020 around the world\
<https://vegnews.com/2020/9/interest-in-veganism-hits-all-time-high-in-2020-google-trends-report-shows>

Tesco promised to increase its selection of plant-based foods by 300% in 2020, compared to 2018\
"The UK market for meat alternatives could be worth more than £1.1bn by 2024, according to analyst firm Mintel"\
<https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54338754>

Impossible Burger started with being available at fewer than 150 grocery stores. In 2018, within 6 months their sales increases 77 times. Their products are now available at 11,000 retail locations in all 50 states in the US.\
<https://cleantechnica.com/2020/09/20/impossible-burger-sales-replace-72-of-traditional-burger-sales/>

## 2019

"Germany produced less meat last year \[2019], while demand for vegan products soared."\
<https://www.dw.com/en/germany-produced-less-meat-more-vegan-alternatives-in-2020/a-57527678>

## 2017

Demand for vegan and vegetarian food increased by 987% in 2017, in Britain\
<https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/2017-ridiculous-987-increase-demand-meat-free-options/>

Veganism increased by 600% from 2014 to 2017 in the US\
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetforgrieve/2018/11/02/picturing-a-kindler-gentler-world-vegan-month/?sh=cf54862f2bbd>