Irish food manufacturer Swift Fine Foods has launched a range of premium vegan ready meals in the UK, under a new brand called Cook Republic. The Cook Republic line includes four variants: Tofu, Garlic & Bok Choy Noodles; Black & Red Lentil Casserole; Roast Aubergine & Couscous; and Cauliflower & Chickpea Tagine. The new range was created by Simon Maddrell, founder of UK-based innovation consultancy Orbit&Anchor. According to data from Toluna, cited by Irish food board Bord Bia, 24% of consumers are actively looking for vegan or vegetarian products, and 14% of people now identify as flexitarian. The new range is said to have been developed to capitalise on growing demand for fresh, healthy and convenient vegan meal options. “At Swift Fine Foods, we’re continuously researching and innovating to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers,” said Eddie Warke, national accounts manager UK & Ireland at Swift Fine Foods. “We know consumers are increasingly on the look out for convenient meat-free meal options and we worked hard with Orbit&Anchor, a team of retailers, nutritionists and chefs to develop four high-quality, well-balanced recipes, which are fresh, healthy and deliver on flavour. “Everything we do is anchored in research and insight, so we’re confident these products will be well received by a wide range of customers, from vegans and vegetarians, to the growing number of flexitarians who are making a conscious effort to cut down on their meat consumption.” Cook Republic ready meals are available nationwide in the UK, for an RRP of £4.49, from Nisa, Costcutter, SuperValu, Mace and Centra.