We turned the clocks back this Sunday and started Winter Time. This was also the day that the annual vegan exhibition Vegfest London took place. Over the weekend, the exhibition spanned three floors and showcased hundreds of stalls, including food, clothing, entertainment and more. From different perspectives, people explored a kind of plant-based lifestyle that is healthy, natural, zero-harm and sustainable.
Let's take some close-up shots of this popular event and learn more about the story behind three brands.
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- OMN!PORK -
Plant-based pork alternatives enter the U.K. market
Just seeing the news about Omnipork getting popular in Asian restaurants a while ago, we were surprised to taste it in London this soon. Hongkong's pork substitute product was among the most welcomed in the exhibition. With a novel concept of veganising pork, the product uses simple ingredients and has a rich flavour. The Omnipork wonton was our favourite, which has delicious Omnipork filling wrapped by thin and tender skin.
Omnipork was created by a Canada-based food tech company launched by the social enterprise Green Monday. The team developed the plant-based pork product by integrating Asian cuisines and culinary practices with innovation and extensive research. It provides a multi-purpose solution to promote shifting to a plant-based diet as an integral approach to tackle global warming and food insecurity.
OmniPork is 100% plant-based. The main ingredients include shiitake mushroom, peas, non-GMO soybeans and rice. Compared with regular ground pork, the calorie, saturated fat and cholesterol content of OmniPork are 66%, 86% and 100% lower, respectively, while the calcium and iron are 260% and 127% higher. It also contains fibre.
King, the marketing person from Hongkong, introduced that Vegfest has been Omnipork's first showcase in the European market. By next March, Omnipork will be brought to restaurants across London. Customers are also expected to buy the product directly from the supermarket soon. Looking forward!
Learn more: omnipork.co
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- Cocolico -
Delicate and delicious French patisserie
There were several dessert stalls in the exhibition, among which one showcased many delicate pastries that attracted much attention. The fine French pastries hand-crafted by Céline are free from eggs, dairy products and overwhelming sweetness.
Céline came from Paris. She moved to Reading three years ago and started her French patisserie Cocolico. Asked about the starting point, Céline was reminded of herself being ill a few years back, which made her discover that she was lactose-intolerant. As you may know, dairy products are so common in France that many people consume cheese and cakes on a daily basis.
Céline started to look at food differently, wondering if it wouldn't be necessary to use dairy products to make delicious cakes. Later, she realised that many people had intolerance or allergies to other ingredients. For example, gluten intolerance is a common issue in Europe. When she further questioned herself about what we eat and animal conditions, she decided to become a vegan. So, Céline started to make vegan pastries, hoping everyone could enjoy a cake in a carefree way.
Céline has been trained as a pastry chef since her twenties and worked in prestigious places in Paris. She took her experience and passion for making all kinds of delicate pastries and recreating the classic taste. At the moment, Cocolico offers regular afternoon tea in Reading. If you're going to Reading by chance, don't forget to visit them!
Learn more: cocolico.co.uk
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- Vivi the Supervegan -
Vegan children's book series
Tina is the author of the children's book series Vivi the Supervegan. She became a vegetarian at 11 and went vegan two years ago. Tina aspires to lead a life where she causes the least harm to animals and the planet. She is passionate about spreading peace awareness and compassion, hoping to inspire people to realise that they, too, have the power to bring about positive change in the world.
Once, when Tina went to buy her daughters some books, she realised that there was a lack of children's stories out there with a vegan message. She felt that there is a real place and need for more vegan-friendly books in a world that predominantly gears children's books, songs and nursery rhymes towards the different ways humans use and exploit animals. So she wrote Vivi the Supervegan with the hope that it would encourage children to take a stand and empower them to be compassionate and kind, knowing that they have power with their choices and in inspiring others to make changes. Tina's daughters are her real super vegans.
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Vivi the Supervegan has simple and understandable texts and warm and bright drawings. Vivi is a brave and kind supergirl, powered by plants from her head to her toes. Her story influences more and more children and adults to lead a life with love and kindness.
Learn more: vivithesupervegan.co.uk
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In 2019, we witnessed an increasing number of plant-based brands launched in London. Many traditional restaurants created vegan menus, and vegan shelves can be found in many supermarkets. New products such as plant milk, vegan cheese and plant-based meat alternatives are becoming top choices for more customers. By choosing a plant-based diet, people hope to express their care for our planet and start to respect and love life truly.
The world is changing. Are you ready?
P.S. Don't miss out on our article on 2018 Vegefest London!
Click here to read it now.
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