I am so glad to be invited to attend the launching of the #HGEatGoodChallenge today at Bangsar. Harvest Gourmet, Nestlé Malaysia’s plant-based food brand, is launching this campaign to advocate healthier and more sustainable diets amongst Malaysians, in collaboration with BookDoc.
From L-R: Qiu Wen, Indra Balaratnam, Dietitian, Geetha Balakrishna, Business Executive Officer of Food Business, Nestle (M) Berhad, Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle (M) Berhad, Jean Ho, Business Manager, Nestle’s Harvest Gourmet, Scha Alyahya, Dini Schatzmann
Plant-based diet is getting more popular globally
People from around the world are becoming more environmentally and health-conscious, which leads to an increasing number of people reducing meat consumption and embracing more plant-based diets. By offering simple and easy-to-prepare plant-based foods that does not compromise on taste, nutrition and value, Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet offers Malaysian consumers healthier alternatives for the everyday meals they love.
The topic of plant-based food alternatives has taken centre stage at the recent 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27), as the global food system is responsible for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 57% of these are derived from the processing of meat, dairy products and crops for animal feed. Hence, shifting to a plant-based diet is a positive action to fight against climate change.
Speaking at the media launch of the #HGEatGoodChallenge today, Mr Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad said more Malaysians are willing to improve their diets and are increasingly aware of the impact of their choices on the planet.
“#HGEatGoodChallenge aims to encourage Malaysians to start an experiential journey, discovering easy ways to adopt tasty plant-based meals as part of their everyday diets. It will be a meaningful campaign to kickstart into a healthier new year, while doing good for the planet!”
enthused Mr Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad
#HGEatGoodChallenge to promote healthier lifestyle
From 10 December 2022 to 8 January 2023, participants are required to register on the BookDoc health app to be able to participate in the challenge. They will then prepare and submit 15 Harvest Gourmet meals and clock up a minimum of 120,000 steps within the 30 days challenge period, to qualify for many attractive prizes. On top of that, all Challenge Finishers will receive an E-certificate by Nestlé RELeaf, as Harvest Gourmet commits to planting a new tree in 2023 for every participant who completes the challenge. Nestlé RELeaf is Nestlé Malaysia’s largest reforestation programme, aiming to plant 3 million trees by end of 2024.
From L-R: Ben Ibrahim, Emcee, Scha Alyahya, Dini Schatzmann, Qiu Wen
From L-R: Qiu Wen, Geetha Balakrishna, Business Executive Officer of Food Business, Nestle (M) Berhad, Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle (M) Berhad, Jean Ho, Business Manager, Nestle’s Harvest Gourmet
Indra Balaratnam, Dietitian, Scha Alyahya, Dini Schatzmann
Support from local celebrity influencers and F&B partners
Local Celebrity influencers Scha Alyahya, Dini Schatzmann and Qiu Wen were present to share their experiences of integrating plant-based meals in their diets and its positive impact on their lives. The event also showcased the other collaborators of the #HGEatGoodChallenge comprising F&B partners such as Epic Food Hall, KyoChon, Uncle Bob Sabah, Sheraton KL, EQ Hotel and others who will provide Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet meal options at their restaurants for participants during the challenge period. Also present at the launch event was Mr Raj Kumar R G Sheth, President of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society, which will be focusing on outreach and raising awareness on plant-based eating.
Insight sharing by consultant dietitian
said Ms Indra Balaratnam, consultant dietitian
“Nutrition is one of the elements of the wellness spectrum. However, most of us neglect having balanced meals due to our busy lifestyles and lack of discipline. Statistics show that 1 in 2 adults are overweight or obese, 3 in 10 adults have high blood pressure; and heart disease remains the top killer of Malaysians 1. It is well proven that eating a diet abundant of plant-based foods positively benefits our health by lowering the risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, and increasing life expectancy,”
Cooking demonstration using Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet products
Indra curated two simple and delicious recipes using Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet for the challenge, which she demo-cooked at the event. The Spicy Gochujang Honey Glazed Harvest Gourmet Nuggets and Spiced Harvest Gourmet Mince with Green Peas will both be part of the 15 plant-based meal inspirations made available for participants during the #HGEatGoodChallenge.
For more information about #HGEatGoodChallenge, please visit http://www.harvestgourmet.my/whatsnew-tips. Weekly prizes await and the top three participants will walk away with prizes such as the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE and Apple Airpods.
About Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet
Nestlé Harvest Gourmet’s plant-based meal solutions provide you great taste and meat-like experience with high quality ingredients sourced responsibly. The product range is cholesterol-free, high in protein and a source of fibre, suitable for vegan diet.
Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet offers a delicious and convenient way to include more plant-based foods at the centre of your plates and help people to switch/transition from animal protein. Nestlé Harvest Gourmet’s plant-based range of products include nuggets, sensational burger, cutlet, stir fry mince and chargrilled pieces.
Nestlé’s Harvest Gourmet is manufactured in its plant-based solutions manufacturing facility in Shah Alam – the first in ASEAN and the one of only two in Asia. The new facility will cater to the rising demand for plant-based foods for the local as well as the export market.
About Nestlé Malaysia
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our over 270,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity.
This is in line with our promise of delivering GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE to all. To learn more about how we have been nourishing Malaysians for over a century, do visit http://www.nestle.com.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Nestle.Malaysia.
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