Hong Kong’s Peggy Chan has been named the inaugural recipient of the Champions of Change Award, presented by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The prestigious honor recognizes individuals driving transformative, positive impact in the region’s culinary scene.
As executive director of Zero Foodprint Asia, Chan mobilizes restaurants and hotels to fund regenerative farming – a practice that restores soil health and combats climate change. Her model encourages venues to contribute 1% of sales as direct grants to farmers in Asia to set up regenerative farming practices.
A two-decade advocate for sustainable food systems, Chan founded pioneering Hong Kong concepts like Grassroots Pantry. She later launched ZFPA in 2021, creating a tangible bridge between hospitality’s sustainability goals and actionable farm-level change. She is also part of the Slow Food Hong Kong executive committee and helped launch the Slow Food Hong Kong farms network.
“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,” says Chan. “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.”
The award ceremony anchors the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 celebrations which will take place at the Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong on March 25.