Cork-based vegan foods producer, Dee's Wholefoods has recorded an 82% growth in export sales over the 2013-2014 period.
Founder Dee Collins explained the success as the result of changing global attitudes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, which is moving from niche markets into the mainstream.
According to research from Mintel, the meat-free food market is estimated to have hit €849 million in 2013 and is likely to rise to €1.1 billion.
"More and more people around the world are taking a fresh look at plant-based foods. The UK market has been particularly strong with 12% of UK adults now following a vegetarian or vegan diet, rising to 20% when you look at 16 to 24 year olds," says Collins.
She also notes that the company's range has also proved popular with consumers on a calorie-controlled diet, as their plant-based foods are low in fat and high in fibre and other nutrients.
Dee's Wholefoods' range is available throughout Irish and UK supermarkets, as well as in the United Arab Emirates.
