InterContinental Expands Vegan Menu Sales to Promote Low-Carbon Vegetarian Practices

InterContinental Vegan Food Menu (Photo by Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas announced on the 28th that it will expand the sale of various vegan menus that enable low-carbon vegetarian practices as part of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management aimed at 'sustainable luxury.'

They plan to diversify customer choices by introducing new vegan drinks and foods. In May, they replaced plastic keys with eco-friendly bamboo key cards, and since early June, they have been providing label-free bottled water in all guest rooms.

Recently, among the MZ generation, 'practicing vegetarianism once a week' with environmental awareness has become a hot topic, increasing interest in vegetarian menus for low-carbon practices. According to a report by the 20s Research Institute of University Tomorrow (April 2021), 27.4% of 900 MZ generation respondents identified as flexitarians (Flexible + Vegetarian) who practice intermittent vegetarianism for reasons such as environmental protection. They intentionally avoid meat consumption at least once a week, sometimes more than one meal per day.

The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas launched the 'Sweet Vegan Bingsu' for the first time this year, using almond milk ice. The almond milk ice is topped with prunes, dates, granola, coconut snacks, and finished with lime sorbet, creating a refreshing and healthy taste. It is also available as a single-serving bingsu. This is the industry's first vegan-style bingsu menu, the most popular dessert in midsummer, providing customers with a new experience.

At the first-floor lobby lounge, customers can enjoy two newly added vegan smoothies and five new vegan food menus. The new vegan foods are low-carbon menus made using plant-based proteins or vegetables instead of meat, which emits a large amount of greenhouse gases during production and distribution. The offerings include meal and dessert menus such as 'Tomato Sauce Beyond Vegetable Balls,' 'Avocado Hummus Salad,' 'Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Herb Sauce,' and 'Chocolate Brownie.' The two vegan smoothies are the 'Red Bean Smoothie,' interpreted in the style of patbingsu, and the 'Vitamin Up Smoothie,' made with various vegetables and greens. Additionally, vegan wines and vegan beers are also available as drinks.

Furthermore, since May, the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas has replaced plastic room key cards used in all guest rooms with eco-friendly bamboo key cards, and since early June, it has introduced recyclable label-free bottled water in all rooms. The hotel expects these activities to reduce plastic use by at least 100kg annually.