On December 13, 2021, the Kansai Economic Federation established the “Food Diversity Roundtable (FDRT)” to work towards an environment where tourists of diverse beliefs and ideas can eat with peace of mind in Kansai.
The FDRT has identified specific priorities, which include providing for Muslims, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as disseminating the correct information on providing for these groups.
Those related to the tourism business attended this conference, which was held with an eye on the post-Covid revival of international tourism, as well as the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo. The purpose of the conference was to promote business creation related to food diversity, environmental responsibility through business, and in doing so, help realize the UN Sustainable Development Goals of “realizing a sustainable, diverse and inclusive society where no one is left behind.”
Companies and organizations involved in hospitality, food and beverage, and tourism gathered on December 13th to celebrate the establishment, and hold the first meeting of the “Food Diversity Promotion Roundtable.” This event also garnered attention from abroad, and overseas businesses such as from Malaysia and Indonesia also participated. On the day of the event, Go Kitamura, Executive Officer of JTB Corporation and Yuriko Nakamoto, Director of YRK and Co., Ltd., were appointed as chairpersons.
VegeProject is also a member of this roundtable, and at the establishment ceremony, Haruko Kawano, VegeProject’s representative director, made a presentation on the necessity and opportunities of responding to vegan and vegetarian demand.
This conference was also covered in MBS and Sankei Shimbun.
