In a significant shift toward a more sustainable future, major players in China’s hospitality sector are embracing plant-based dining. Driven by a rising tide of consumer interest in healthier and environmentally-friendly options, hotel chains like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Greater China, Dossen Hotel Group, and Orange Hotels are making bold moves to transform their food offerings.
These industry giants have unveiled ambitious plans to make plant-based dishes a significant part of their menus, with targets ranging from 30% to 70% by 2025. This commitment reflects a broader movement towards sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, aligning with the evolving preferences of a more health-conscious customer base.
IHG Greater China, in June 2024, became the first multinational brand to issue a plant-based food policy in the Chinese market. Their goal of making 30% of their menu items plant-based by 2025 aligns with their core values of responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The move also resonates with their ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ ten-year plan, focusing on sustainable practices.
Following IHG’s lead, the state-owned Dossen Hotel Group, managing 2,000 hotels across China and developing 1,500 more, became the first domestic hotel chain to adopt a plant-based food policy. Their commitment to converting 30% of their menu offerings to plant-based options by 2025 marks a critical milestone in the Chinese hospitality industry, showcasing their leadership in promoting sustainable and health-conscious dining.
Huazhu Group, a prominent publicly listed domestic company known for its diverse hotel brands, followed suit in August 2024. They have chosen Orange Hotels as the first brand to implement their plant-based food policy, aiming to transform 70% of its menus to plant-based options by 2025 across more than 750 locations. This ambitious target positions Huazhu Group at the forefront of the plant-based movement within China’s hospitality sector.
The enthusiastic adoption of plant-based dining by these major hotel groups is a direct response to shifting consumer trends. A recent extensive survey conducted among thousands of Chinese consumers revealed a growing inclination towards plant-based diets. Nearly 90% of participants indicated their intention to increase their consumption of plant-based foods in the coming year, signaling a significant cultural shift in dietary preferences.
Furthermore, the survey highlights a strong consumer demand for more plant-based options in dining establishments. A striking 85% of respondents expressed their expectation that hotels and restaurants should expand their plant-based offerings. This sentiment underscores the public’s recognition of the vital role that plant-based diets play in enhancing public health and supporting sustainable practices.
The alignment between consumer expectations and the strategic initiatives of these hotel groups is noteworthy. By committing to plant-based menu transformations, these hotels are not only meeting current consumer demands but also positioning themselves as leaders in the movement towards healthier and more sustainable dining. This proactive approach is set to resonate strongly with a growing segment of health-conscious and environmentally aware customers.
As the trend towards plant-based diets continues to gain momentum, the efforts of these hotel groups are likely to influence the broader hospitality industry in China. Their commitment to expanding plant-based options is a clear response to consumer desires and a forward-looking strategy that could redefine dining standards across the country.
