The Vegan Society joins the Sustainable Foods 2025 event
The Vegan Society’s iconic logo was seen among significant food industry names at a recent event focused on the path to sustainable and healthy eating.
As well as hosting a stall, society members delivered a speech, joined a roundtable session and a lively panel discussion on accelerating the transition to a plant-based system. The two-day event in London attracted food businesses, farmers, consultants and sustainability experts from across the world, with a keynote speech delivered by the UK’s Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner. Also taking her place on stage the day before was the charity’s Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research, Claire Ogley, who delivered a plenary speech about policy measures that support the production and consumption of plant-based foods. She gave the examples of Denmark’s progressive Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods, measures in South Korea and plans by Portugal and the European Union to develop their own plans. With the UK Government about to embark on developing a food strategy, now is a critical time to ensure the UK follows suit.
Claire Ogley, Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research at The Vegan Society
The Vegan Society
The need for progress
Claire also took part in a panel discussion, Planting the future: How can we accelerate the transition to a plant-based food system? chaired by Green Party co-leader and London Assembly member Zac Polanski. The panel also featured Rodrigo Amaro, Director of the Bezos Centre for Alternative Protein, Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation charity, and David Moore, Head of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) at food manufacturers, The Compleat Food Group.
The panel was in complete agreement about the sustainability benefits of healthy plant-based foods, and the need to satisfy the growing demand for them. A number of panelists identified the opportunity the government has in promoting them in public catering, such as hospitals and schools – one of the measures proposed in The Vegan Society’s policy manifesto. Claire also responded to a question about whether 'vegan' was still a useful word, saying it is more relevant than ever as a guarantee of high ethical standards amid competing claims by organisations and companies.
The business perspective
On day two, The Vegan Society’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Karen Spinner, hosted an engaging roundtable discussion titled Leading the plant-based revolution: a strategy for success. The session was well attended, with key industry players from Tesco, Foodbuy (Compass Group) and Bel Group taking part. Karen navigated discussions on terminology around 'vegan' and 'plant- based', market trends and the critical role of cross-industry collaboration in driving the plant-based revolution.
The conversation not only highlighted the pressing need for sustainable food solutions but also showcased the industry's commitment to forging partnerships designed to transform our food systems for a healthier, more ethical future.
Alongside the many positive conversations had at the stall, these opportunities meant that Sustainable Foods 2025 was a real showcase for The Vegan Society and the Vegan Trademark, positioning the charity as a significant voice in the mission to provide healthy, sustainable food for all.
Take action
Please write to your MP and encourage them to press the Government to support plant-based foods in the forthcoming food strategy. You can provide a link to The Vegan Society’s manifesto which outlines the practical policies in need of support.
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