A petition calling for fast-food giant Popeyes to launch vegan chicken has exceeded 12,000 signatures.
The chain, which has more than 3,000 outlets in the U.S, is well-known for its deep-fried chicken dishes. Its current vegan offerings are limited and include items such as corn on the cob without butter and hashbrowns.
‘Popeyes refuses’
“If you follow the news… you’ve seen the alarming number of coronavirus deaths disproportionately affecting communities of color,” the petition reads.
“Nowhere was that more prevalent than in our nation’s meat industry. Such a stunning number of workers died [the] Latino civil rights groups called for meat boycott.
“Popeyes refuses to join this important effort, denying customers plant-based options even. [Meanwhile], Burger King, Dunkin’, White Castle, and KFC (its biggest competitor) are already offering plant-based alternatives.”
Global vegan meat sector
The petition also cites the success of the global vegan meat sector – which is on track for hitting $21 billion by 2025.
Data published by Zion Market Research predicts compound annual growth rate of 8.6 percent between 2019 and 2025. It describes vegan meat as ‘a popular trend on menu cards at large’.
The report cites several factors for this growth. These include growing concerns around the sustainability of traditional meat and the improvement of meat alternatives.
You can sign the petition here
Plant Based News has contacted Popeyes for comment