Peggy Chan, a trailblazing promoter of regenerative farming adoption in Asia's hospitality industry, has been voted as the winner of the Champions of Change Award in the run-up to 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 accolade recognises individuals driving positive change and long-term progress in the region's food and hospitality sector.

Peggy Chan is executive director of Hong Kong-based Zero Foodprint Asia, which mobilises restaurants and hotels to directly fund and scale regenerative farming. The organisation encourages participants to contribute 1% of their sales to provide grants that help farms across Asia to set up regenerative farming practices – restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity and reducing the impact of climate change.

A spokesperson for Asia's 50 Best Restaurants says: “The Champions of Change Award recognises individuals making a significant impact on the future of hospitality and we are proud to honour Peggy as the inaugural recipient this year. A true champion of sustainable farming for the hospitality industry, she richly deserves recognition for her tireless and invaluable contribution to driving long-term progress in food and society.”

Peggy Chan says: “Over the years, I've learnt that change in food systems doesn't happen overnight or alone – it is built patiently, through collective, sustained commitment. From guiding choices about what we eat to now shaping how food is grown, the work I've led has always been centred on health and regeneration, supporting the wellbeing of people, farmers and the ecosystems that sustain us. I'm deeply honoured by this recognition, which feels profoundly affirming and belongs as much to the many communities of farmers and partners I've worked with as it does to me. I hope this moment inspires more of us to take part in this collective journey.”

Chan is a long‑time advocate for plant‑based, whole‑foods eating and sustainable food systems, with more than two decades of experience in the food and hospitality sector. She is the founder of Hong Kong's pioneering vegetarian restaurants Grassroots Pantry, Nectar and later Grassroots Initiatives Consultancy, which supports food service businesses in improving sustainability practices. Through her work, she has helped bridge the gap between sustainability ambitions and practical action within the food industry.

In 2020, Chan recognised that while many restaurants in Asia wanted to reduce their environmental impact, few could source food in ways that truly transformed agricultural systems. Drawing on her experience as a member of the US-based nonprofit Zero Foodprint (founded in 2015), she partnered with its founders to adapt the model for Asia, launching Zero Foodprint Asia (ZFPA) in 2021. This created a tangible pathway for chefs and food businesses to team up with farmers in scaling regenerative agriculture – restoring soils, strengthening communities and building more resilient food systems.

The Champions of Change Award shines a light on pioneers in the hospitality world – individuals who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and shaping a more inclusive, forward-thinking industry. The award was first introduced in 2021 as part of The World's 50 Best Restaurants in response to the hospitality sector rebuilding in the aftermath of the pandemic. The winner's cause will receive a financial donation from the 50 Best organisation, enabling them to continue their work and contribute to long-term progress in the food space.

Champions of Change is the first of three pre-announced awards ahead of this year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, held for the first time in Hong Kong at the Kerry Hotel on 25 March 2026. The event programme will feature the key events that form the cornerstone of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants celebrations, including: #50BestTalks, a thought-provoking forum exploring key topics in gastronomy and hospitality; 50 Best Signature Sessions, exclusive collaborative dining experiences, which sees 50 Best chefs cooking with renowned local talent; a Chefs' Feast, celebrating of Hong Kong's culinary excellence and local ingredients, and a 'Meet the Chefs' media roundtable, offering unique insights from the region's leading voices in gastronomy. The celebrations will culminate in the awards ceremony, honouring the very best restaurants and chefs in Asia.

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026. See more details on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants voting process here.

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