SCMP: “China’s vegan market is expected to rise by more than 17 per cent”

South China Morning Post recently profiled the growing vegan movement taking place in China and in particular, Hong Kong.

Home to the V Girls, who are on a mission to “introduce veganism to the masses,” Hong Kong was also the first international location selected to carry The Beyond Burger, as the city’s “demand for plant-based options […] caught global attention.” In 2016, the Chinese government also recommended that its 1.3 billion citizens “reduce their meat and egg consumption.”

According to the article, from 2015 to 2020, “China’s vegan market is expected to rise by more than 17 per cent,” which makes it the “fastest growth rate internationally in that period.” The rise in plant-based living is attributed to many factors, including “food scandals and a cultural background rooted in Buddhist vegetarianism,” as well as millennials spreading awareness of the lifestyle and its benefits through social media.

While Peggy Chan, founder and head chef of health food restaurant Grassroots Pantry, noted the “huge buzz” that social media can cause, she also believes the rise is related to the fact that the transition to a plant-based diet is not a very drastic change for locals. She states that since “vegetarianism is rooted in Chinese Buddhism and tied to a belief in reincarnation,” making a change to “veganism from a diet heavy in vegetables, grain and tofu is less of a leap than going from a Western diet comprising meat and dairy.”

Despite the many factors that make plant-based living in Hong Kong viable, Emily Sim, who runs the Facebook group Veg Parents Hong Kong, added that there can still be the belief that veganism is difficult:

“There is a perception, which makes me sad, that it is not easy to be a vegan here, but I really think you would be surprised. If you use the resources you can absolutely do it. You will see there are so many [vegan restaurants] all over the city and a lot more restaurants than before have vegetarian or vegan menus.”

To read the full article, visit this link.

Photo Credit: www.scump.com