What has NÉGYOSZ achieved so far?
OkosFehérje project launch
Our OkosFehérje (SmartProtein) project has been launched, aiming to promote the consumption of legume-based foods among the population. We place great emphasis on dispelling health-related misconceptions about legumes as ingredients, whether it be soy, peas, beans, or lentils.
Our representative research on Generation Z's consumption habits has been completed
This study is crucial for us to understand how this currently and future-defining consumer segment approaches plant-based diets and the purchase of plant-based products.
Plant-based diets and health – Plant-Powered Perspectives workshop
We have reached a major milestone as a professional advocacy organisation with our first working conference on the health aspects of plant-based foods, where eminent speakers shared their knowledge, mainly with representatives of governmental organisations. See our full report for more information.
'From drought to floods' Plant-Powered Perspectives workshop
Our first event to present and discuss the links between the food industry and sustainability was held this year. The presentations and workshop were mainly attended by governmental actors and representatives of relevant organisations and companies. See our full report for more information.
Sustainable public catering policy dialogue
On 3 October, we participated in a joint event of the Institute of Agricultural Economics, the Ecological Agricultural Research Institute and the Municipality of Budapest on sustainable public catering.
I. Plant-Powered Perspectives public catering chef training
Our long-cherished dream has come true with the launch of our plant-based training for catering chefs and catering managers.
Proposal for an amendment to the Public Food Service Regulation
We submitted to the Ministry of the Interior our proposal for an amendment to the Public Food Service Regulation, entitled Proposals for the authorisation of plant-based meals.
It is a complex document with many specialists involved. The aim of the authors of the document was to call for a sustainable transformation of the domestic public catering system and to present the public health, environmental and ethical benefits of introducing a plant-based diet as far as possible.
'Shaping consumers' food choices' workshop in Brussels
On 5 July, the EU Presidency's workshop Shaping consumers' food choices was held in Brussels.
NÉGYOSZ was represented by István Miskolczi, CEO.
Roundtable on the Day of Innovation
This year, we participated in the Innovation Day organised by Trade magazine, as part of an exciting roundtable discussion where, among other things, the topic of naming free products was raised again.
Photo: Trade Magazine
The free-from working group
The NAK (National Chamber of Agriculture) is helping to develop the market for free-from products by setting up a working group. NÉGYOSZ also attended the inaugural meeting of the working group, representing our membership.
Plant-based masterclass
6 chefs from the Hungarian Prison Service took part in a master class on "Plant-based restaurant pastas" at the METRO Gastronomy Academy, funded by NÉGYOSZ.
Presenting at Corvinus University of Budapest
We were invited to a class of the Corvinus University of Budapest students of business administration and management, where our CEO, István Miskolczi presented the situation of the Hungarian plant food market, pricing and VAT issues, as well as the results of our representative research last year.
We look forward to more opportunities in the future to put ourselves on the map of Hungarian higher education, to bring new perspectives on plant-based foods to the generation that will soon enter the labour market.
We attended SIRHA
The 2024 SIRHA Budapest event at HUNGEXPO was a great success for NÉGYOSZ! Not only did we make many new contacts, but we also had the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking and exciting panel discussions, as well as the finale of the Public Catering Competition.
Among our members, we had the opportunity to get people tasting the plant-based products of Lolo Snack, Naszálytej, and Vega-Farm Food Ltd.
Our Managing Director, István Miskolczi, participated in the exciting round table "Free-From and Alternative Foods in Nutrition" organised by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Our President, Ervin Nagy, took part in the Sustainability Roundtable organised by KÖZSZÖV in connection with the Public Catering Competition.
On the last day, when the results of the Public Catering Competition were announced, we learned that the two teams mentored by NÉGYOSZ, the Vácziak and the BV agglomeration 2 team, had achieved silver in the competition, which we are very proud of and congratulate them from the bottom of our hearts!
Expanding our membership
We are proud that in our young, one-year existence, we have gained as members such major players in the plant-based products and rotary processing industry as Danone, as well as Naszálytej Tejfeldolgozó és Kereskedelmi Kft. and Pápai Hús.
In addition to the larger companies, our Association has also grown this year with the addition of small and medium sized companies that create exceptional value.
We presented at the first Flexi Forum
We were invited as speakers at the first Hungarian flexitarian forum organised by Danone and the University of Debrecen - so three of our team were invited to present at the event.
Co-organised the Plant-Powered Perspectives conference
For the 3rd time we organised the Plant-Powered Perspectives conference, together with our co-organiser VBC (Vegan Business Circle). This year our focus was on the HoReCa sector and the possibilities of introducing plant-based options.
Conference for the development of sustainable food systems
We have organised the first fully owned event of NÉGYOSZ, entitled "Conference for the Development of Sustainable Food Systems". The event was mainly aimed at governmental stakeholders, so that a comprehensive discussion on the role and importance of plant-based diets in Hungary could be launched.
Call for proposals to support the promotion of plant-based nutrition in Hungary
In cooperation with NÉGYOSZ, Danone and the Hungarian Dietetic Association, we have prepared our manifesto. It is a public document that we have shared on our website and made available for signatures, and it can also be signed by individuals and organisations.
Our aim is to create a coalition between producers and various organisations to declare our intention to support the Hungarian nutrition and food industry in moving towards a plant-based approach.
In early October 2023, we completed our first representative consumer survey
Our aim was to assess the current needs and preferences of the population in the context of plant-based diets. This was a very important project for us, as Hungary is typically missing from the map in terms of data in this area.
The semi-finals of the public catering competition have been completed
With the support of the Association of National Society of Conservationists (MTVSZ), we were able to participate in this year's public catering competition. The Hungarian Prison Service joined the competition for the first time, inviting NÉGYOSZ to mentor their team. This year the main message of the competition was sustainability.
As a result of our patronage, 2 out of 3 of our teams qualified for next year's finals, thus introducing our organisation to the participants.
Participation at the CARE conference
We had the opportunity to attend the CARE Animal Rights Conference again this year, where we gained a lot of good practices, information and valuable international contacts.
Consultation on the naming of plant-based foods
Consultations were held with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Chain Safety Agency to define terminology standards for plant-based food alternatives that adequately represent these products on the market. We were able to participate in these consultations and make suggestions.
Presentation at the Hungarian Prison Service Education Centre
At the invitation of the Hungarian Prison Service, our team gave a professional presentation on the relationship between meat-free nutrition and sustainability at the Institute's Education Centre.
Sustainability Awards Ceremony at METRO
As last year's winners, we presented the METRO Sustainable Gastronomy Award in the category of organisation and restaurant to the Dabas Institutional Care Centre and the vegan restaurant The Planteen.
Report of the Competition Authority on the dairy sector - NÉGYOSZ resolution
It is a great honour for us, and also a recognition of the role of the vegetable category, that on 26 April, NÉGYOSZ was one of the professional organisations that were able to participate and comment in the professional consultation on the report of the Economic Competition Office's investigation into the dairy sector.
NÉGYOSZ was founded,
the Hungarian Association of Plant-Based Food Producers and Distributors.
What's next?
Delighted to announce that NÉGYOSZ is evolving into a stronger and more dynamic organization, brimming with exciting plans and goals for 2025 and beyond. Throughout these 2 years, we have achieved numerous successes in the realms of animal welfare, sustainability, and support for plant-based businesses.
Our aim
is to further expand awareness of plant-based diets and sustainability while providing support to those who share similar values. Additionally, fantastic opportunities await those who join us to actively participate in achieving our common goals.
Join us
If you wish to be part of this vibrant community and follow the achievements of NÉGYOSZ.