Veganuary 2026 secures record-breaking 30m participants

The annual Veganuary campaign has attracted a record-breaking 30m participants for the 2026 offering.

The non-profit organisation encouraging people to try vegan in January and beyond, is celebrating a record-breaking campaign with around 30m people worldwide taking part in Veganuary 2026. Nationally representative surveys were commissioned by Veganuary in 12 of its core campaign countries to establish the percentage of people who report having taken part in Veganuary during January 2026. Based on these results and the current population estimates for each country, Veganuary has calculated that roughly 30 million people worldwide chose to try vegan this January as part of Veganuary.

Returning for its 12 year, the campaign made its presence known once again; a London Underground billboard caught commuters’ attention with the message ‘Same kindness, now to all kinds’, while celebrities championed the campaign’s positive, welcoming approach to diet change. TV presenters, Kate Lawler and Kirsty Gallacher, took on the 31-day challenge while figures including Olivia Colman, Ainsley Harriott and Matthew Modine shared recipes and words of encouragement with participants. Veganuary’s global footprint also continued to expand in 2026. Official campaigns launched in Iceland and Ireland, and the pledge was available in Hindi for the first time, making the 31-day challenge accessible to millions worldwide.

Veganuary CEO, Wendy Matthews, commented: “There’s been plenty of talk in the media about interest in vegan fading. But the story worth telling is the one unfolding in kitchens, not in the comment section. Millions of people chose kindness this January – for themselves, for animals and for the planet. Veganuary is now firmly mainstream, and its continued growth is proof of what happens when people around the world put compassion into practice. We think that’s something truly worth celebrating and a powerful sign that conscious food choices are more than a passing trend.”

Biona announces Rye January campaign

Organic food brand, Biona, has announced a new campaign encouraging consumers to switch processed sliced bread for rye alternatives.

The brand’s first Rye January encourages shoppers to ditch ultra-processed sliced bread and try their natural rye alternative. As part of the campaign, Biona has also carried out research which revealed 73 per cent of UK consumers are unable to identify the 10 most common additives and preservatives found in their daily bread.

The campaign highlights the growing concern that one of Britain’s most-eaten foods is also one of its most ultra-processed. Biona explains that this simple swap could make a measurable difference, as studies have shown that rye bread improves blood sugar control, reduces cholesterol by up to 14 per cent, and keeps people fuller for longer thanks to its high-fibre, low-GI profile. Participants are encouraged to track their energy levels, digestion, and hunger patterns.

Carmen Ferguson, Brand Manager at Biona’s parent company, Windmill Organics, commented: “We’re delighted to be launching our first ever Rye January campaign and encourage everyone to give it a try. We know many UK consumers are now concerned about the levels of additives and preservatives in their daily sliced loaf and the potential impact that can have on their health. Rye bread is the perfect solution to those concerns so make the swap and give it a try!”

NOPEX announces closure as organisers focus on food offering

The organisers of the Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) have announced the event is to be discontinued.

In a statement, Diversified UK & Europe, organisers of NOPEX, said that in response to the rapidly evolving trading landscape, it has made the difficult decision to discontinue the natural wellness, health, and beauty sections of the event for the foreseeable future. The change follows two consecutive years of declining visitor numbers and reduced exhibitor participation, with Diversified advising that many companies in these sectors have shifted their focus to more specialised events, and the show has found it increasingly difficult to meet the expectations of both exhibitors and buyers.

At the same time, natural and organic food exhibitors have urged the organisers to co-locate the Natural & Organic Food Expo with these leading trade events. And so, the Natural & Organic Food Show will now become part of The London Food & Drink Shows, which will take place at Excel London on September 16-17, 2026.

Diversified explained that this new alignment will create a more powerful, targeted platform, bringing together the foodservice, hospitality, speciality retail, multiples and convenience sectors under one roof. It will also give natural and organic food a stronger presence within a major mainstream exhibition.

Carsten Holm, Managing Director of Diversified UK & Europe, commented: “We’ve listened closely to our community, and we’re excited to offer a more focused, impactful platform for the natural and organic food and drink sector as part of The London Food & Drink Shows. At the same time, it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to NOPEX and to the many friends and partners in the natural health and beauty sectors who have supported the event for over 30 years. NOPEX was once among the world’s premier trade shows for our sector, playing a pivotal role in the success of countless brands and serving as hub for the UK’s independent health food trade.

“On behalf of the entire team at Diversified, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of this journey for your trust, support, and friendship. We hope to see many of you continue your involvement through the Natural & Organic Food Show.”

At the same time, Diversified has also announced that Natural Products Online (NPO), which was launched following the closure of the trade title, Natural Products News, is also to close.

Carsten added: “We are incredibly proud of the role NPO has played in supporting this vibrant community, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has read, contributed to, or supported it over the years. Thank you for being part of this journey. It has been an honour to share your stories.”