The Veganuary movement, which encourages people to try veganism for the month of January, has seen a remarkable journey since its inception. It was founded in the UK in 2014 by Jane Land and Matthew Glover, a husband-and-wife team motivated by their passion for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Their idea was simple yet powerful: challenge people to go vegan for January, providing the necessary support, information, and encouragement to make the transition as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Veganuary's impact has been massive and is growing rapidly each year. From its humble beginnings with just over 3,000 participants in 2014, the movement has exploded in popularity across the globe. By 2024’s Veganuary, they reported that more than 700,000 people from over 200 countries had officially registered to take part in the challenge! These vast numbers are estimated to represent just a fraction of the total participants, as many engage with the campaign without formally signing up.
In the early days, Jane and Matthew received considerable scepticism and doubt over the prospects for Veganuary. However, with 155 million people reached via social media, 2.5 million website hits and 1,610 new food items released in the 2023 campaign, it's safe to say the sceptics were firmly wrong.
The movement has not only increased awareness of veganism but also influenced consumer behaviour and the food industry. Supermarkets, restaurants, and food brands around the world now launch new vegan products and menus in January to cater to the growing demand. This has made veganism and animal welfare more visible and accessible to a broader audience, further encouraging the adoption of plant-based diets.
Veganuary has undeniably played a crucial role in promoting veganism as a mainstream lifestyle choice. And Veganuary's influence extends way beyond individual dietary changes. It has prompted discussions about the environmental impact of animal farming, animal welfare and rights, and the health consequences of meat consumption.
The movement has become an inspiring and global phenomenon, popularising the broader shift towards plant-based diets and sustainable living.
We can't wait to see how Veganuary impacted the world in 2024!