Exclusive: Lever Foundation Expands Plant-Based Policy Work to India & Thailand

The Lever Foundation, a sustainability non-profit, is expanding its policy initiative to promote plant-based food availability in India and Thailand. In these two influential food markets, the Foundation aims to help businesses balance and increase the proportion of plant-based protein options to combat the rising intake of meat and dairy, which poses significant public health, food security, and climate challenges. India, in particular, already has a strong tradition of plant-based eating deeply rooted in its cultural and religious practices, making it more accepting of plant-based meals compared to other countries.

In Thailand, where awareness of plant-based food is increasing, the Foundation sees an opportunity to make plant-based dishes more visible, affordable, and appealing to mainstream consumers. By partnering with restaurants, foodservice providers, and other businesses, Lever Foundation hopes to increase the availability and visibility of plant-based menu options, ultimately shifting the underlying protein procurement ratio towards more sustainable and healthier food choices. The Foundation also calls for greater government support for sustainable food systems and nutrition initiatives to accelerate progress towards a more resilient and plant-forward food system in these markets.