Z-Rou Meetup Offers a Savory Celebration of Plant-Based Innovation

Last Saturday, Aug 28, more than 100 food lovers gathered together for the very first Beijing Super Fans Meetup hosted by Z-Rou, a brand of China's plant-based food start-up company, Youkuai International Group. In addition to sampling a gourmet feast of diverse dishes featuring their flagship product, attendees also got to hear from Franklin Yao, the founder & CEO of Youkuai International Group and Z-Rou Brand, Mark Sampson, Z-Rou’s Director of Research and Development, and plant-based lifestyle community leader and Vegans of Beijing representative, Mio Rudnicki.

Since 2019, Youkuai International Group – with its advanced food technology and commitment to sustainable concepts – has actively promoted culinary innovation, striving to provide consumers in China and the world with nutritious and healthy plant-based foods.

As Yao explained during his keynote address, "Plant-based meat, as a symbolic product of future food, will bring about an unprecedented dietary change. We hope that while bringing new dietary concepts and experiences to consumers with different eating habits, we will continue to inspire consumers to explore and think about the relationship between mankind and the earth, and jointly contribute to the sustainable development of the environment. This is not a moment, it's a movement.”

Aside from the speakers, guests also enjoyed a number of Z-Rou recipes inspired by various international cuisines including panni puri, Mexican tostadas, gazpacho with Z-Rou jerky, and candied Z-Rou and peanut butter cookies. The creative fusion realized by skillful and unique cooking methods captured Z-Rou’s versatile, yet altogether rich and savory taste. It’s a quality of the product that has been on full display since June, when Z-Rou launched their Home Chef Challenge in Beijing, inviting hundreds of participants to create their own mouthwatering masterpieces using Z-Rou products. From creative Chinese food to exquisite Western fare, the Home Chefs prepared a diverse lineup of culinary creations that put nutrition and creativity at the forefront of their recipes. To celebrate the community’s enthusiastic response, a ceremony was held at the meetup honoring the competition’s winners.

Since officially entering the Beijing market in June, Z-Rou has cooperated with numerous restaurants including El Barrio, Bottega, and Arrow Factory Brewing. Moreover, at Saturday’s event, it was announced that two other establishments will join that list, Maizi’s Guangmang Baking Workshop and Suzhi Chinese Restaurant.

For those of you eager to try cooking with Z-Rou at home, however, products can be purchased through e-commerce platforms such as Z-Rou's official WeChat mall (ID: Z-RouFood), Epermarket, Kate & Kimi, Lizzy’s All Natural, Gourmet Express, and Acorn Fresh.

Z-Rou is the first plant-based meat brand under the Youkuai International Group. Its main ingredients include non-GMO soy protein, konjac, coconut oil, and shiitake mushrooms, all of which are produced in China. Z-Rou products do not contain hormones or added artificial flavors and spices, and use special soy protein with a unique extrusion process to create a texture that is more akin to meat fiber, ensuring a flavor profile that appeals to all manner of diets, from omnivore all the way through to vegan.

Although still in its infancy, growing consumer demands and an increasing appreciation of plant-based meat alternatives means a bright future for this noble industry. As such, Z-Rou will continue exploring the infinite possibilities of plant-based diets, working with chefs, gourmet experts, and industry leaders to create healthy, safe, and high-quality products for diners at home and abroad.

Images courtesy of Z-Rou