During the last three months, ProVeg International has been keeping the momentum for food-system change going like never before, driving plant-based progress around the world. From supporting startups at our Incubator Demo Day to leading discussions at Poland’s New Food Forum, we’re making meaningful change. Our research in China and advocacy work in Europe and Nigeria are paving the way for sustainable diets, while we’re empowering changemakers to lead the charge, through the ProVeg Grants programme and the Kickstarting for Good initiative. And, with our experts speaking at key events around the world, ProVeg is strengthening the plant-based movement with every month that passes.
12th Incubator cohort impresses at Demo Day
At this year’s Demo Day, which formed part of the ProVeg New Food Conference, our 12th cohort of ProVeg Incubator startups took centre stage. The startups, which included the Atlantic Fish Co., Optimized Foods, the Friends & Family Pet Food Company, AIProtein, and Fisheroo, all delivered impressive pitches to an expert panel of investors. AIProtein captured the Audience Award, while Optimized Foods garnered the Judges’ Award.
Of course, this whole initiative is only possible through the support of our donors, to whom we say a big ‘thank you!’.
The New Food Forum: leading the future of food in Poland
The fifth edition of the New Food Forum, held at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, brought together leaders from across the food industry, who discussed hot topics including food security, climate change, and the future of cultivated meat. A standout moment was the debut of Poland’s first cell-based meat prototype, which has secured €2 million in funding. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many delegates making valuable new connections across the movement and the industry.
ProVeg China report reveals massive interest in plant-based eating
ProVeg Asia unveiled its latest research report, Plant-based Eating in China, which revealed that 49% of respondents are aware of the benefits of plant-based diets, and 98% are willing to make the transition to plant-based eating. Following on from the report, ProVeg China hosted a CEO forum with companies such as Beyond Meat and Unilever to discuss sustainable strategies for the future.
Plant-based nutrition advances in Germany, Czechia, and Nigeria
We’ve made significant strides in several countries:
- In Germany, after years of ProVeg advocacy, the German Nutrition Society now officially recognises the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets.
- ProVeg Germany hosted four school-caterer training sessions. The sessions will impact 12,300 meals daily, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
- Also in Germany, we hosted a Parliamentary Breakfast to advocate for nutrient fortification and increased research funding for sustainable proteins. Delegates from across the political spectrum also discussed incorporating plant-based options into the country’s dietary guidelines.
- ProVeg Czechia participated in a government roundtable focused on revising school-meal regulations in order to include more plant-based options.
Global advocacy at key UN events
ProVeg played a leading role at major UN events this quarter:
- At the Bonn Climate Change Conference, we launched the ActionOnFood Hub, which will provide a space for civil society and negotiators to collaborate on policy at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan.
- At the UN High-Level Political Forum, we contributed to discussions on how food systems can support biodiversity and combat climate change.
Global impact through ProVeg Grants
This quarter, ProVeg Grants supported 20 projects in 17 countries, empowering innovators to make a tangible impact. The selection included the following high-impact projects:
- In Italy, Essere Animali is developing an online plant-based cooking course, aimed at training chefs.
- In Poland, the Green REV Institute is launching a plant-based catering programme for schools and government offices.
- In Mexico, the Association of Vegan Entrepreneurs is hosting the second Vegan Business Summit, which will showcase innovations in alternative protein and offer exceptional culinary experiences, while helping to unite the sector.
Kickstarting for Good: supporting global changemakers
The Kickstarting for Good initiative continues to support impactful projects worldwide. This quarter, 430 applications from over 70 countries were reviewed, with 25 changemakers selected to participate in an intensive training programme in Berlin. The innovative projects span areas as diverse as AI, corporate engagement, and faith-based advocacy, all aimed at transforming our food systems.
ProVeg experts expanding the movement
Throughout the quarter, our experts continued to share knowledge and inspire change across the globe:
- Jasmijn de Boo, ProVeg’s Global CEO, spoke at EAGxUtrecht 2024, engaging with students on alternative proteins and offering insights into plant-based career paths.
- Tim Polkowski, our International Director, spoke at the Vegan Conference in India, discussing plant-based regulations and exploring the country’s potential for exporting plant-based products.
- Shirley Lu, Managing Director of ProVeg Asia, spoke at Thaifex Anuga, Asia’s top food-and-beverage trade show, as well as at the University of Hong Kong, sharing insights on plant-based innovation in the region.
All in all, it’s been a quarter packed with energy and activity across a wide range of projects, programmes, and initiatives, during which we’ve managed to get our message across to more people than ever before, from consumers to policymakers, and from journalists to food-industry influencers.
Simon Middleton
Editorial Specialist
