Tao Zhang: Why China needs a menu change

Why China needs a menu change

A Chinese saying goes, "There's no pleasure in eating without meat." And the data backs that up: every year, China consumes 26 percent of the world's meat and 45 percent of its seafood — numbers that could grow alongside rising incomes. Impact investor Tao Zhang shows why getting Chinese consumers to switch to plant-based alternatives is vital to tackling climate change and explores how it's also a massive business opportunity to bring tasty, affordable new proteins to market.

China consumes over a quarter of the world's meat and nearly half its seafood, with demand rising steadily. Introducing plant-based and alternative proteins could help the country curb environmental impact while offering huge business potential. Deep cultural ties to meat and a history of unappealing mock meats make change a challenge, but new products and clever marketing are beginning to gain traction. Transforming China’s menu is crucial for addressing climate change and creating new choices for millions.