As part of its ongoing #FeedingTheFuture campaign, The Economist has taken to the streets with a range of thought-provoking food and beverages, including everything from insect-infused ice cream and smoothies made with so-called "ugly fruit" to coffee made with used grounds—and for its latest venture in NYC, The Economist is serving free vegan hot dogs.
The Economist has deemed 2019 "The Year of the Vegan" and it is putting a spotlight on meat alternatives. At The Economist's iconic red hot dog stand, people will be able to sample plant-based hot dogs made with Beyond Sausage. As well as giving people the chance to taste the innovative meat alternative, the hot dog cart also helps to promote an article from The Economist's sister publication called "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Beef."
What's Driving This Trend
- Vegan Meat Alternatives
- As more people are opting for plant-based diets, there is a growing demand for innovative, meat-like substitutes such as Beyond Sausage.
- Ugly Fruit Utilization
- With the rise of sustainability and reducing food waste, there is an opportunity for industries to utilize misshapen fruits and vegetables that would typically go to waste for products such as smoothies and juices.
- Sustainable Food Packaging
- As more businesses look to promote eco-friendly practices, there is a need for innovative sustainable food packaging solutions to reduce waste and carbon footprint.
Who This Affects Most
- Meat Alternative Industry
- Companies that produce innovative and delicious meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have already disrupted the traditional meat industry and are continuing to grow.
- Sustainable Food Industry
- From farm to table, businesses in the sustainable food industry are reducing waste and utilizing local resources in innovative ways, offering an opportunity for growth in this sector.
- Packaging Industry
- With the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, there is an opportunity for companies to develop compostable, biodegradable, and environmentally-friendly materials for food packaging.
