Vegan deli opens as demand for plant-based meals grows

A deli focussed on tempting the taste buds of vegans has opened in Grey Lynn.

Robinson’s Deli and Store owner and vegan Rebecca Robinson says, despite level 2 restrictions, the store was able to open due to an increased demand for vegan produce.

“People are really loving it,” says Ms Robinson, who wants to provide customers with healthy options.

“Everyone’s becoming more aware of the benefits of plant-based food.”

Ms Robinson says by supporting the store, customers are also supporting health, animal welfare and the environment.

“A really big thing for us is building the community that we wish to see.”

Ninety per cent of the deli's cabinet produce is sourced from small New Zealand businesses.

“Especially at a time like this, we want to support them,” says Ms Robinson.

The most popular item is a hot chilli cheddar from Diva Plant Cheese in Christchurch, she says.

Ms Robinson says vegans faced challenges when they shopped during New Zealand's level-4 lockdown. Restrictions meant they couldn’t pick up products to check their ingredients.

“We needed to provide a place where everything is 100 per cent vegan, so you don’t have to look at labels.”

The store also caters to allergen suffers, selling gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free options.