It will be gastronomic spaces in Scandinavian style with a focus on organic food and respect for the environment. With the launch of Saluhall promises to completely abandon the use of beef and offer visitors to shopping centers a qualitatively new format of food courts.
For Ingka, launching the new Saluhall project is another critical step in developing sustainable initiatives following the Circuit concept, a co-working space by Hej! Workshop in Sweden and Light by Livat in China. The company notes that with the new food court format, there will be a move beyond just lunch. Saluhall will aim to inspire consumers to choose more sustainable foods, including plant-based ones.
“We want it to be about a whole lot more than what’s on the menu – a modern and original twist on the traditional food hall, providing local communities with a place to meet while eating delicious food and socializing together in an even more inclusive and sustainable way,” Ingka commented.
A vital feature of the new food halls will be adherence to ethical principles. Corners that open in gastronomic spaces will sign agreements to prefer organic products, seasonal items, and local ingredients on the menu. In the first phase, restaurateurs’ menus will consist of 80 percent plant-based products, increasing to 100 percent after that.
The centerpieces of the new food halls will be the most crucial Scandinavian street food – pastries, burgers, ice cream, and beer – served according to local tastes and preferences.
“From oat-milk ice cream to plant burgers, the space will be operated as a distinct street food market within each meeting place, offering seasonal, ethical, sustainable, and high-quality products at accessible everyday prices.” the company commented.
In recent years, gastronomic spaces have become an increasingly important part of Ingka Centres’ business, which operates 45 meeting centers worldwide. New projects have recently been introduced in China, India, and San Francisco. Several more shopping and entertainment complexes are currently under development.