Big businesses embrace vegan eating for sustainability as well as sales
29 December, 2020 — Leading accountancy firms PwC and EY, as well as media giant Bloomberg, are taking part in Veganuary’s Workplace Challenge and encouraging everyone in their teams to try vegan this January. They’re joined by Nestle, M&S and Quorn, whose senior leadership are also taking part, and many more forward-thinking businesses. In their own words, here are some of the reasons:
PwC UK – Bridget Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer:
“We’re delighted to be taking part in a Veganuary Workplace Challenge again, for the third consecutive year. We know that many of our people are looking for help to eat a more plant-based diet, that’s good for both nature and their health. Veganuary provides a great opportunity for us to showcase delicious dishes whilst highlighting the environmental impact of our dietary choices. In fact, our plant-based food programme is another way we’re driving net zero action.”
EY (Ernst & Young) – Harry Gaskell, Purpose and Sustainability Leader:
“We’re on board with Veganuary! What a great way to inspire, support and encourage EY people to consider a plant-based diet. Considering meat and dairy free is one of the ways our individual choices can help in Building a Better Working World. I’m looking forward to the challenge!”
Bloomberg LP – Emily Barbey, Head of Hospitality, Pantry and Office Services for AMER:
“As part of our overall sustainability strategy, Bloomberg is dedicated to reducing its food-related emissions. We’re excited to offer our employees a growing selection of delicious plant-based food options in our offices. At the same time, we’re looking to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet that our employees can integrate into their day-to-day, whether at home or in the office.”
Nestle – Marco Settembri, CEO of Nestlé Zone EMENA (Europe, Middle East and North Africa):
“As someone who stepped up to the Veganuary challenge this year, I am happy to be part of this movement as it grows across Europe and beyond. For me, now, behind Veganuary there’s a bigger picture – and one which induces long-term action. It’s about really feeling the need of the consumer.
That is why, this year I am promoting Veganuary across many of our categories and initiatives. Afterall, a well-planned plant-based diet can meet the nutritional needs during all stages of life. And there are the environmental and health benefits too. This year I am passing the baton and encouraging all employees to participate in Veganuary and sign-up to the challenge. We will inspire them with delicious recipes from our Garden Gourmet colleagues, vegan options in the restaurant, tips from experts, and dietary advice.”
Quorn & Cauldron – Phil Watson, UK & Europe Commercial Director:
“I’m taking the Veganuary pledge this year and encouraging those on my team to do the same. We have such a great range of accessible and affordable vegan products to enjoy, so, I’m confident that my January breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be varied, enjoyable and nutritious.
Our purpose is to provide Healthy Food for People and the Planet and by backing the Veganuary 2021 campaign, to encourage over 400,000 consumers to make the switch to Vegan eating for the month, gets us closer to our 2030 Ambition of 8 billion meat-free servings a year worldwide.”
Marks & Spencers Food – April Preston, Director of Product Development:
“As the proud owners of the UK’s No1 vegan own-label, Plant Kitchen we’re getting SUPER excited about Veganuary! This year we’re sharing the sign-up links with all our colleagues in stores and support centres, encouraging them to give Veganuary a go – we’ve got lots of amazing new products launching in our Plant Kitchen range, so it’s the perfect time to sample them. Our M&S Food leadership team are getting fully involved as well, and will be creating a series of fun, weekly videos that we’re sharing internally of the team sampling different Plant Kitchen products and their meat equivalents and finding out which comes top!”
Aveda (Estée Lauder) – Barbara De Laere, Global Brand President:
“As of January 2020, Aveda will be 100% vegan – now and forever! We are a cruelty-free brand founded on an environmental mission, so this is a major milestone as we seek to continually lessen our impact on the planet. And as part of our celebration of this milestone, we are excited to be the first beauty supporter to take part in the Veganuary Workplace Challenge. I have personally been plant-based for seven years now and I look forward to celebrating with our Aveda team as they embark on 31 days of a vegan lifestyle. It is a great opportunity to reflect on the power of small change and the impact an individual can have on the environment.”
Follow the link for photos of the CEOs and spokespeople quoted above.
Other businesses taking on Veganuary’s Workplace Challenge include Wagamama, Tesco, O2, e.l.f. Beauty, Kings College London, Docusign, Hastings Direct, Givaudan, Ecotricity, Deliveroo and Upfield (owners of Flora Plant and Violife).
Veganuary 2021 is on course to be the biggest year yet. More than 300,000 people have already officially signed-up to take part this year, double the number as at the same time last year.
Media contact
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications, Veganuary
T: 07505 866 548
