Our annual Food Trader Awards celebrate the crews who go above and beyond to innovate and minimise their environmental impact, while serving up outrageously tasty veggie and vegan food. Here are your 2025 champions…
Sustainable Trader of the Year 2025: Once in a Blue Moon Cafe
True Shambala stalwarts, Once in a Blue Moon have been with us since forever – and their commitment to sustainability runs deep. Think direct-trade coffee, mindfully sourced ingredients (including vegan cheese made in Somerset, and organic grains and beans from Hodmedod’s) and kombucha brewed in Bristol. Plus, all their fresh produce is is UK-grown and organic – a serious investment of conscience and coin.
Their brand new chai stand runs almost entirely off-grid, using mains power only for lighting, and the whole team are dedicated lift-sharers to boot. A proper powerhouse of ethical deliciousness. Massive congrats, Blue Moon crew!
Runner Up: Lalita’s
Serving up beautiful South Indian street food, Lalita’s are also doing incredible things behind the scenes. Umesh and the team offset the business’ carbon emissions through Temwa, and donate over 10% of profits to causes including women’s education projects in India and Doctors Without Borders. With heaps of local sourcing and plans to install solar panels, they’re levelling up their sustainability year on year. Absolute stars.
People’s Choice Award 2025: Dosa Deli
The people have spoken – AGAIN! As part of this year’s Big Debate audience survey, Dosa Deli claimed the people’s choice crown once more. Those golden, plate-sized dosas and colossal bhajis clearly remain undefeated in your hearts (and stomachs). We salute you, Dosa crew!
Huge thanks to all our traders for all their hard work this year, and for serving up such vibrant, delicious veggie and vegan fare. Absolute joy on a plate. x