QIFF dishes out vegan, plant-based options in 'Healthy Zone'

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) has become a vital platform for promoting healthy eating habits and raising awareness about plant-based alternatives. The 14th edition of QIFF, being held at Hotel Park until February 22, features a dedicated 'Healthy Zone' that is drawing crowds and sparking interest in vegan and plant-based options.

Exhibitors are reporting a significant increase in interest and positive reception to their offerings, reflecting a growing trend towards healthier dietary choices in Qatar. Speaking to 'Gulf Times' over the phone, Nosh Cravings and Raw Middle East managing director Gabe Glennon highlighted the festival’s positive impact, saying: "We're offering plant-based products for 10 years now. More and more people are getting involved with plant-based options, which is good.

“We've created an ‘around the world’ menu so everyone can find something they like, from Italian and Mexican to shawarma and even plant-based hotdogs and mac 'n' cheese”.

Glennon lauded this year's festival, calling it the best in his decade of participation, saying: “This year’s QIFF at Hotel Park is fabulous. The booths, the organisers did a very good job, it’s easily accessible. I can tell that 10 years of being part of the festival, this is the best one so far."

“The meat eaters trying our hotdogs for the first time are shocked. The nuggets too, are good. People are impressed the way the plant-based food is going nowadays”.

Another popular destination in the Healthy Zone is Mylk, a company offering vegan and non-dairy drinks since 2020. Its general manager, Jem Reyes, highlighted the festival’s effectiveness in promoting veganism. “We are in our second year of participating in the festival. With a large number of people coming to the festival, it is very helpful for Mylk and for raising awareness on veganism,” Reyes explained, noting that people started seeking for healthy options and QIFF has been an excellent platform.

Reyes noted that many customers are surprised to learn the drinks are vegan: “People actually didn’t notice that the drinks are vegan, using non-dairy alternatives such as almond and cashew nuts, as well as sugar from almonds and coconuts since it tasted like the ones which are not vegan."