Plamil are one of the original vegan firms in the UK, set up in 1963 to provide the countries first commercially available soya milk. They are also one of the sponsors for this year’s Bristol Vegan Fayre.

‘Plamil are committed to helping other organisations bring to the public awareness some of the alternatives and choices they have in purchasing everyday items that promote health and reduce animal suffering’ says Adrian Ling from Plamil. ‘One of the best things about being vegan is understanding that you are helping fellow creatures and humans by making simple and easy choices.’

And when it comes to choices, Plamil certainly provide plenty of them. Their range includes different soya milks including flavoured and organic versions, as well as various mayonnaises and deserts that are all dairy free, of course. But perhaps their best choice lies in their chocolates – the organic cayenne is superb, and there are various others to compliment, including mint and fruit and nut versions – all fantastic, and an excellent alternative to the milk-heavy sugar- laden commercial sector. In fact, so successful has their range been, and with such a rise in demand for vegan chocolate, Plamil, innovative as ever, have gone one step further and brought out No Added Sugar chocolate – in two superb varieties, plain and with added shelled hemp seed.

‘There are a growing number of customers that want to reduce their sugar consumption or who wish to cut out sugar all together.’ Says Adrian. ’These no added sugar bars use the sweetness in Xylitol, which is made from birch trees. Xylitol is known to have benefits in oral health and therefore ideal for those that do not want sugar replaced by chemical additives.’

With 60% cocoa these bars have a really good chocolate taste, and are vegan and gluten – free, as well as having no added sugar…..a truly ground breaking product, and one that Plamil are justifiably very happy about. ‘I am proud that as an independent chocolate manufacturer we can be truly innovative,’ adds Adrian. ’These bars are truly unique – loads of cocoa, no added sugar, dairy or gluten – and the shelled hemp variety in particular is a real breakthrough. Hemp has really ‘come of age’ and the hemp seed is rich in protein as well as an excellent source of essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9. These bars really are good for your health, as well as tasting superb.’

Adrian has been vegan all his life, and sees the growth of the vegan lifestyle as unstoppable. ‘There will be ups and downs, reports and counter reports, scares and health benefits, but overall logic will prevail, and more people will follow a vegan diet. And that’s the key, I think…..people will follow the vegan ’way’ but not define themselves as being ‘vegan’.

Very astute comments from one who knows. Massive thanks to all at Plamil for sponsoring the event, and especially Adrian for his commitment, drive and energy for the vegan lifestyle. For him, and many others, being vegan is more a complete way of life than a just another fad diet.

www.plamilfoods.co.uk