Major Hotels in China are Shifting Toward Plant-Based Menus

Major hotel chains in China are making significant strides toward sustainability by committing to more plant-based menus. In a bid to align with global environmental goals and meet growing consumer demand for healthier dining options, these chains plan to transform 30% to 70% of their menus into plant-based offerings by 2025.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which operates 700 hotels across Greater China, aims to increase its plant-based menu items by 30% next year. This initiative is part of IHG’s broader commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.

The Huazhu Group has taken an even more ambitious approach with its Orange Hotels, a brand under the Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) concept. Huazhu plans to make 70% of its menus plant-based across its 750 locations, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability and innovation.

Dossen Hotel Group, the first domestic hotel chain in China to adopt a plant-based policy, is also targeting a 30% increase in plant-based menu options. With over 1,000 hotels in 200 cities across China and several locations in Malaysia, Dossen’s initiative underscores its pioneering role in the industry.

These commitments are seen as a positive step forward for China’s hospitality industry, which is increasingly embracing sustainable practices. Cecilia Zhao, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever China, highlighted that these efforts reflect a new leadership role for China’s hospitality sector in promoting sustainable dietary habits.

The shift toward plant-based menus aligns with broader trends in Chinese food culture, where plant-based ingredients have traditionally played a significant role. A recent survey conducted in major Chinese cities found that a substantial portion of the population is willing to increase their plant-based food intake, particularly for health reasons. This is particularly true for flexitarians, who make up 32% of the population.

The Chinese government has also been supportive of this shift, promoting plant-based diets to address Climate change and improve public health. Recent dietary guidelines encourage increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and soybeans, while the government’s commitment to developing alternative proteins is evident in its Bioeconomy Five-Year Plan.

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