Nisa backs retailers striving for vegan and dry January sales

Nisa is among the symbol groups encouraging its retailers to adapt to the trend, as well as taking account of customers committing to a dry January.

Nisa retailer Aaron Aulakh and his family have prepared their three Nisa Local stores in the West Midlands for the new yea – with plant-based and alcohol-free growing categories for the business over the past two years.

Aulakh, who does the buying across the stores in Earlswood, Solihull and Shirley, plans to create brightly coloured point-of-sale to flag up the lines to help customers seek out healthier choices, as many consumers embrace the usual focus on health and fitness that January brings.

The business also aims to have a plant-based alternative in all categories. These include Co-op Gro Incredible Burgers in frozen, Co-op Gro Creamy Coconut Cauliflower Curry in chilled, and in ambient Gro cookies.

Aulakh says he has noticed increased interest in healthier breakfasts, especially Dorset Cereals Muesli, Co-op No Added Sugar Swiss Style Muesli and Co-op Honey, Raisin & Almond Granola, in recent months.

Among the recent success stories in vegan ranges has been the Huel replacement meal drinks, particularly at Shirley where there is a gym down the road.

Aulakh said: “We’re seeing big sales in all our stores. They’re great as they have a decent till ring at £3.75 and a long shelf-life. We’re finding they are popular with gym-goers who grab them as an evening meal.”

Aulakh has also ensured the availability of alcohol-free drinks. The biggest gains have been in beer with Guinness 0.0%, Peroni 0.0% and San Miguel 0.0%.

Additionally, the business has trialled Nozeco Buck’s Fizz in the lead-up to Christmas, following the success of Nozeco sparkling alcohol-free wine.

In January 2023, grocery sales data from Kantar found there was a 3% increase in sales volumes of no and low alcohol beer volumes year on year, while sales of own-label ranges labelled as plant-based or vegan rose by 21% across the sector.

Victoria Lockie, head of retail at Nisa, said: “January will see many people across the UK shift towards healthy alternatives and low-alcohol drinks as they take part in Veganuary and Dry January.

“Retailers will have to adjust to this shift in consumer behaviour and tailor their offering to ensure customers have access to the right products.

“Nisa is proud to offer a range of alcohol-free drinks and plant-based alternative foods, through our Co-op own-brand range, to help our retailers adapt to customer needs.”