Hello, this is Shigeta from GP. Speaking on a global level, awareness around building a sustainable society is on the rise. I’m sure many of you are working toward this goal yourselves, within your daily lives!

This time, the theme is “Sustainability × Food.” Let’s take a look at how sustainability is being incorporated into meals, especially in places where food plays an important role.

CRAZY KITCHEN

Based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, CRAZY KITCHEN offers catering under the name “Sustainable Collection.” They work on solving social issues related to food by using underutilized fish or so-called pest animals, and by designing booths that raise awareness about these challenges.

① Scallops (Hiougigai) farmed as a byproduct of pearl cultivation (top left)
② Mushrooms grown using manure compost from retired racehorses (top left)
③ Silver salmon with ASC certification (bottom right)
④ Wild boar, a growing nuisance in rural areas (top right)
⑤ Fair trade Amazon cacao (center bottom)
etc…

Sustainable Kitchen Rosy

This restaurant located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, also happens to offer catering services for corporate clients.

They use organic ingredients and seasonings, free-range eggs, and even provide eco-friendly containers and cutlery. (The catering service can also tailor suggestions based on your values and background.)

① Vegetables from contracted farms grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers
② Natural eggs from free-range chickens
③ Natural pork raised without antibiotics
④ Homemade bread made with organic brown rice and wheat
etc…

FARM CANNING

Located in Zushi, Kanagawa, FARM CANNING uses vegetables that would otherwise be discarded due to irregular shape or surplus, as well as organic and pesticide-free produce—preserving their natural colors and shapes.

By purchasing imperfect produce from farmers at fair market prices, they support both environmental and economic sustainability.

They also use reusable or biodegradable dishware to help reduce waste.

① Converts vegetables that can’t be sold at markets into sauces and preserves
② Uses waste-not vegetables like seasonal surplus or irregular produce
③ Plans and manages sustainable events/workshops and supports new business creation (for corporate clients)
etc…

PichaEats

PichaEats is a sustainable catering service based overseas. In Malaysia, they employ refugees as chefs, allowing them to serve cuisine from their home countries.

By providing a source of income and improving their quality of life, while also offering multicultural dishes, their initiative promotes social sustainability, which is just as valuable as other forms of sustainability. 

Conclusion 

What kinds of sustainable foods have you encountered around you? Dairy cows, plant-based meats, fair trade products, organic farming… Even small changes in the ingredients you use every day can eventually make a big difference globally.

The same applies to events. Why not hold an event that uses sustainable ingredients—gentle to nature and kind to society? If you’re thinking of having a sustainable event in Japan, please feel free to reach out to GLOBAL PRODUCE!