# Alternative Butcher Plant-based butchers aim to educate consumers about meat alternatives. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published Jun 25, 2019 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-butcher ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Alternative Butcher trend? **Alternative Butcher:** With the increased popularity of plant-based diets, vegan butchers are aiming to create an experience that imitates the one consumers are familiar with at the meat counter. Such services highlight how retailers are aiming to provide both accessibility and education around meat alternatives to better align with shifts in consumer interests. ## The consumer insight behind the Alternative Butcher trend As consumer expectations for customization grow and personal preferences become lifestyles that consumers expect brands to accommodate, the retail landscape is changing to be more adaptable rather than taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach to customer needs. Because of this shift, once-niche consumer desires are manifested into retail spaces that seek to attract underserved consumer segments, and become indisposable to them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 8, 2018 to Jan 7, 2021 - Published: Jun 25, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Butcher trend ### Plant-Based Butcher Shops As consumers become more conscious about their health and the environment, vegan alternatives are becoming more accessible, normalizing plant-based diets that go beyond salads and smoothies. ### Customization and Personalization As customization becomes a growing demand for consumers, one-size-fits-all retail models are no longer adequate—brands must personalize and tailor to individual preferences. ### Meat-Free Innovative Offerings With the rise of veganism, retailers are looking for ways to offer as close to meat-like experiences as possible, including authentic texture and flavor, to meet the demands of increasingly food-conscious consumers. ## What the Alternative Butcher trend means for industry ### For Plant-Based Food Industry Entrepreneurs and industry professionals creating plant-based meat alternatives are disrupting traditional meat markets and carving out a new segment of meatless consumers. ### For Retail Industry New retail models that embrace customization and personal preferences are creating new ways to cater to niche consumers, filling in the gaps left behind by traditional retail models. ### For Sustainability and Environment The impact of the meat industry has prompted many consumers to make the switch to plant-based diets, leading to the emergence of ethical brands and the opportunity for meat-free offerings to capitalize on this growing demand. ## Workshop question How could your brand better cater to niche consumer interests? ## Trend signals for Alternative Butcher Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 70%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Alternative Butcher trend 5 featured examples from Nov 8, 2018 to Jan 7, 2021. - [Meat-Free Butcher Counters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-butcher-counter): The Asda 'Veelicious' Vegan Butcher Counter Addresses Consumer Demand (Category: Business) Implication: Grocery stores have an opportunity to introduce vegan butcher counters and expand their plant-based offerings to meet the demand for flexible diets. - [Plant-Based Butcher Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-vegetable-butchery): 'The Vegetable Butchery' at Harrods Creatively Prepares Vegetables (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is an opportunity for grocery stores to develop a vegetable butchery department that offers personalized service and specialty cuts. - [Meat-Free Butcher Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meat-free-butcher): Sainsbury’s is Opening a Meat-Free Butcher Shop for World Meat-Free Week (Category: Business) Implication: Creating a new market for vegan butcher shops and plant-based meat alternatives, driving innovation in the retail industry. - [Artisanal Vegan Butcheries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herbivorous-butcher): The Herbivorous Butcher Hopes to Convert Most Meat Eaters (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The booming plant-based food industry can seize the opportunity to provide artisanal vegan butcheries with a wide range of plant-based meat alternatives that cater to diverse tast… - [Latin Vegan Butcher Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-butcher-shops): Tranquilita la Vaca Opened Doors in Santa Cruz, Bolivia (Category: Eco) Implication: The plant-based food industry can capitalize on the increasing demand for vegan butcher shops by expanding their product offerings and distribution channels. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)