On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, a seminar titled “Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Food Market Development in Niigata Prefecture – Industry-Academia Collaboration” was held at University of Niigata Prefecture. VegeProject has been involved since the early development stages, helping with the program’s organization and operation. Our representative, Haruko Kawano, also presented on ‘Deepening Understanding of Plant-Based Foods.’
Our presentation covered the often-confused distinctions between vegan, vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, flexitarian, and plant-based diets. We also explored the environmental, societal, and animal-related benefits of choosing vegan options. Finally we introduced VegeProject’s initiatives to spread awareness of these options, including vegan certification, collaboration with local governments and businesses, and support movements to adopt vegan/vegetarian menus at university dining halls.
Tu Li-hsin, a lecturer at the International Economics Department of University of Niigata Prefecture and a vegetarian herself, shared her experiences of limited food choices in Niigata and ways to enjoy vegetarian and vegan ingredients in the region. Mr. Umezawa, Deputy Factory Manager of JR East Japan Cross Station Foods Company Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory, which has obtained vegan certification for its products, also spoke about the company’s approach to plant-based foods, challenges faced, and future plans.
The final presentation was conducted by “Team Masaru,” a group of students from the International Economics Department’s Gorshkov Laboratory, who presented their research findings based on investigations conducted over the past year, proposing strategies for entering Niigata’s plant-based food market.
Following the presentations, the event offered a tasting of vegan products. The tasting included a wide range of products, including instant risotto and soup, protein drinks, desserts, snacks, and rice flour cookies from Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory. Many participants were surprised to learn about the wide range of options available and about the fact that all these products contained no animal-derived ingredients.
Through this event, we hope that interest and understanding of vegan and plant-based lifestyles have been deepened, contributing to potential changes in individuals’ lives and businesses in the future. We also aspire for this event to be a catalyst for regional collaboration and development.
We sincerely thank all the participants, faculty, and students of University of Niigata Prefecture, and the organizers from the Gorshkov Laboratory at the International Economics Department for their participation and support.