Veganism, a food culture that will be celebrated around the world this November, gained attention at COP 30 in Belen (Pennsylvania) through delegations from 150 countries in the name of sustainability. It’s all because this globally important event is committed to providing 40% vegetarian and vegan meals to attendees representing some of the most disparate regions and locations on the planet.
The Brazilian Vegetarian Association (SVB) has trained over 30 hotels and restaurants to offer (good) vegan options to event attendees. Food-related issues are not yet a priority in diplomatic discussions at the World Climate Summit (COP), according to SVB Vice-President Ricardo Laurino. “Therefore, the presence of groups like SVB who come to propose discussions about food is important in order to create cultural change,” the representative said.
SVB also proposes to monitor compliance with the goals set by the Summit regarding the provision of vegan products to participants. The association was responsible for commissioning a study from the Datafolha Institute on veganism in the country. The study’s main findings show that around 7% of Brazil’s population considers themselves vegan, and the number of people adopting this lifestyle is increasing.
“Many people are trying to reduce their consumption of meat and animal products,” Laurino said. This statement is supported by research, which shows that 22% of Brazilians are already trying to stop eating meat, and 43% and 42% intend to reduce their meat consumption for the benefit of the environment and animals, respectively.
Research shows that health is another major motivator for people to stop consuming animal products. Of those interviewed by Datafolha, 74% said they would stop eating meat for this reason.
Christiana Lima, a nutritionist known on the internet for her practical recipes and encouragement of a balanced lifestyle, says that “going vegan is a powerful choice for your health.” In his professional opinion, a vegan diet helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, as it is naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
In other words, the choice of veganism is not only a choice for the planet, but also tends to be a personal one based on self-care.
This influencer said, “A vegan diet is junk food –French fries and soda are vegan and unhealthy and just as bad as any other unbalanced diet. ”
Christiana points out that with this lifestyle you need to be aware of certain nutrients that you may be lacking. These nutrients are zinc, iodine, calcium, omega-3, iron, and vitamin B12. For the latter, Christiana recommends supplements and foods fortified with vitamin B12, since vitamin B12 is “only found in sufficient amounts in foods of animal origin” and a deficiency “can cause neurological damage.”
There are also ingredients that nutritionists consider “the versatile stars of vegan cooking.” It’s coconut. Christiana explains that the fruit is “rich in good fats (MCTs), fiber (especially found in coconut pulp and flesh), minerals (especially manganese and copper), and potassium, which make coconut water a natural isotonic drink.” The use of coconut-based elements is traditional in Brazil, where there is a large industry that represents this sector.
One of them is Copra, based in Alagoas, with a portfolio of over 100 items derived from the processing of desiccated coconut, all of which are vegan.
“Coconut’s versatility comes with this movement towards a more balanced diet and focus on nutritional intake,” commented Helcio Oliveira, Founder and CEO of Copra.
The company, which has approximately 40,000 logistics locations in Brazil and abroad, expects revenue to increase by more than 10% in 2025. Discussions at COP 30 will contribute to a positive scenario for achieving this goal. “The discussion about veganism, which combines health and sustainability, revolutionizes the public debate on these topics,” comments Oliveira.
Copra’s coconut-based products are used by vegans and those seeking a more flexible diet. In addition to operating in this food health niche, Copra is also the person who launched coconut oil in Brazil, a product that is beginning to be incorporated into vegan cosmetics. In fact, this is another consumer trend. People are looking for natural hygiene and beauty products that are free of animal-derived substances and are not tested on animals. Coconut oil fits into this category, and its use is already widespread in Brazil.
Discussions held at COP 30 have focused attention on respecting regional mandates regarding inputs for the production of clean energy, the food industry or the development of serial production chains. The state of Pará, where the conference will be held, is one of the centers of coconut production in Brazil, along with inland São Paulo. “Coconut trees and the coconut itself are part of the Brazilian landscape, demonstrating the relationship between nature and sustainability. Hosting COP 30 in Brazil will contribute in many ways to the appreciation of coconuts and the culture that revolves around them,” added Oliveira, who is originally from Copra.
The company has chosen to use coconut to the fullest, which has allowed it to create a wide portfolio of products such as soy sauce, butter and chocolate syrup. In addition, other uses of coconut shells, both with a focus on recycling and new uses with a focus on sustainability, will be evaluated.
About The Author
