Hotel industry in the Philippines adopts plant-based dining options, mirroring the nation's shift towards plant-based diets.
In the vibrant and bustling Philippines, the hospitality industry is making a significant shift towards sustainability, with a growing emphasis on plant-based options.
Eco Hotels Philippines, a homegrown hospitality group, has taken the lead, building on its existing sustainability framework. This commitment is a beacon of inspiration for the industry in the Philippines, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility.
The iconic Okada Manila, the first integrated resort in the country to make such a commitment, aims to offer 30% plant-based options by 2028. This shift is set to impact over 20,000 daily guests and 10,000 employees across its 30-hectare property.
Winford Resort & Casino Manila has also taken the plunge, becoming the first gaming complex in the Philippines to commit to a plant-based target. By early 2026, Winford aims to transform 30% of its menu, offering more plant-based choices to its patrons.
This trend is not limited to the Philippines. In China, 11 companies, including IHG, have committed to making a significant portion of their menus plant-based. Accor Group and Langham Hospitality have both pledged to make half their menus meat-free by 2030. Meanwhile, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Eco Hotels Philippines have committed to 30% plant-based menus by this year itself.
The World Resources Institute considers initiatives that make more plant-based options available as one of the most effective ways for foodservice operators to promote dietary shifts. This aligns with the growing public demand for plant-based options in the Philippines. According to a survey, 85% of Filipinos believe that these establishments should sell more plant-based food to support their planetary and public health goals.
Moreover, 93% of Filipinos agree that hotels, restaurants, and retailers have a responsibility to manage the sustainability and health of their food supply chains. This sentiment is reflected in the actions of businesses like Ascott Limited, which became the first company in the Philippines to introduce a plant-based target, aiming for 20% of its menu to be plant-based by this year, rising to 30% in 2027.
7-Eleven has also jumped on the bandwagon, rolling out plant-based meat and fish products in collaboration with Green Rebel Foods in more than 2,000 stores in the Philippines.
The shift towards plant-based options is not just a trend but a reflection of the evolving preferences of today's conscious travellers. Patria Puyat, cluster general manager at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, stated that the initiative reflects their determination to reduce their environmental footprint while meeting the evolving preferences of today's conscious travellers.
As the demand for plant-based options continues to grow, it's clear that the hospitality industry in the Philippines is listening. In 2024, 24% of Filipino consumers were looking to reduce their meat intake, a figure that is expected to rise as more businesses commit to sustainable and plant-based practices.
Even the food manufacturing sector is getting in on the action. Century Pacific Food has acquired the assets of legacy vegan meat company Atlantic Natural Foods in the Philippines, further solidifying the country's commitment to sustainable food practices.
As more businesses make their pledges, the future of the Philippines' hospitality industry looks greener and more sustainable than ever.
