Peggy Chan, an advocate for the regenerative agriculture in Asia’s hospitality industry and Executive Director of Hong Kong’s non-profit organization Zero Foodprint Asia (ZFPA), has been named the winner of the Champions of Change Award, announced ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
Presented as part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for the first time, the Champions of Change Award recognizes individuals who are creating meaningful progress in the region’s food and hospitality ecosystem.
Led by Chan, ZFPA mobilizes restaurants and hotels to directly fund and scale regenerative farming across Asia. Through a voluntary 1% contribution on sales, participating businesses help finance grants that enable farmers to adopt regenerative practices – restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity and reducing agriculture’s contribution to climate change.
Chan said in the statement: “Change in food systems doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it happen alone. It is built patiently through collective, sustained commitment. From guiding what we eat to transforming how food is grown, my work has always centered on health and regeneration – for people, farmers and the ecosystems that sustain us.”
She added that she hopes it can inspire more people to join this shared journey.
With more than 20 years of experience in the food and hospitality sector, Chan is a long-standing advocate for plant-based, whole-foods eating and sustainable food systems.
She was the founder of pioneering vegetarian restaurants Grassroots Pantry and Nectar, as well as Grassroots Initiatives Consultancy, which supported food service businesses in sustainability into their operations. Her work has consistently bridged the gap between sustainability ambition and practical, on-the-ground action.
In 2020 Chan identified a critical challenge. While many restaurants in Asia sought to reduce their environmental footprint, few had access to supply chains capable of driving real agricultural transformation.
Drawing on her experience with the US-based nonprofit Zero Foodprint, she partnered with its founders to adapt the model for the region, launching ZFPA in 2021.
The initiative provides a tangible pathway for chefs, restaurants and hotels to collaborate with conscious farmers in scaling regenerative agriculture – strengthening rural communities and building more resilient food systems.
In collaboration with host destination partner, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony is set to take place in Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, on March 25th, 2026. The event marks the first time the prestigious awards program will be held in the city.
The week-long program will feature flagship events that form the cornerstone of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrations.
It will include 50 Best Talks, a forum that addresses key issues in gastronomy and hospitality, 50 Best Signature Sessions which curates collaborative dining experiences seeing 50 Best chefs cooking with renowned local talents, and a Chefs’ Feast celebrating Hong Kong’s culinary heritage and local ingredients, among others.
Commenting on Hong Kong’s role as host, Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “we look forward to welcoming top chefs, representatives from the culinary industry, and tastemakers from across Asia to Hong Kong this March to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our region’s culinary scene.”