Why Vegan Catering is a Must-Have For Sustainable Events

Banquet table set with menus, cutlery, glassware, and orange autumnal floral displays for a corporate event.

Vegan Catering for Events: A Guide to Sustainable Event Catering

Veganism is taking the catering industry by storm. Vegan options are the standard at event venues while attendees are less dubious about a vegan menu. For example, The Golden Globes served guests an all-vegan menu at their awards ceremony to raise awareness about climate change.

Our own MD Anna Green made the switch to a vegan diet over the summer. “Over the last year I’ve made a conscious decision to eat less meat, fish, and dairy, particularly when I’m out and about. I’m thrilled that there has been an increasing selection of imaginative vegan options at events I’ve attended. This definitely contributed to my switch to a full time vegan diet.”

In the past decade, meat consumption in the UK has declined by 17%. The Economist declared 2019 “the year of the vegan”. In January 2021, 582,538 people from 209 countries signed up for Veganuary. The lifestyle rethink has significantly increased the number of people turning their backs on animal products.

53% of vegans make the diet change for environmental concerns, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainability in audience behaviour. As these numbers rise, so do the market and commercial opportunities for quality, responsibly sourced products. Businesses and event planners alike are keen to adapt to this behaviour change.

Sustainable event catering is an important consideration when planning more eco-friendly corporate events. Offering vegan and plant-based menu options can help event organisers provide more inclusive food choices and support environmental sustainability goals.

At Broadsword, we believe every touchpoint including catering should be considered in the sustainable event planning process. Here’s how event organisers can approach vegan catering, make informed supplier decisions and create memorable experiences with sustainability in mind.

How can vegan catering make an event more sustainable?

Changing the way we eat can have enormous impact on combating climate change.

Meat and dairy consumption takes up 83% of the world’s farmland including 80% of deforested land in the Amazon rainforest and livestock production is also responsible for 70% of global freshwater consumption. Vegan diets result in 76% less land use and 50% less greenhouse gases.

Plant-based catering can reduce the carbon footprint of a large event by as much as 10 tonnes.

Banquet table set up for a corporate dinner event with Autumnal floral displays.

Catering to the climate: How can event organisers reduce food waste and make event catering more sustainable?

Plan a plant-based menu: Vegan catering is now more accessible than ever, you only need to wander down the plant-based aisle in a supermarket to see this. In the past we would expect to see one sole vegan option on an event menu, but that’s no longer standard.

Use sustainable catering companies: Catering companies such as The Clean Kitchen Club offer 100% plant-based menus for all types of events. They say it’s ‘designed not just for vegans’ and have created vegan twists on meat dishes. Whatever the shape and size of the event; vegan options cover everything from canapés to sit down meals.

Reduce food waste and miles: In Broadsword’s guide to sustainable events, the best approach to sustainable event catering is to ensure all F&B is locally sourced and seasonal. Ensure all tableware is reusable and all waste is prevented through redistribution (Olio is a great tool for redistributing food waste post-event).

Plan a sustainable event with Broadsword

Sustainable catering is one part of creating a more responsible event experience. The choices made around venues, suppliers, production materials, transport and waste can also influence an event’s overall environmental impact. When planning an event, organisers should consider how these elements work together, from the initial creative brief through to delivery and post-event evaluation.

Broadsword is an events agency with a focus on creating experiences and considering sustainability as part of event planning. Explore our sustainable events services to learn more about our credentials and approach.