Signals

Belgium – Ceramic Brussels made history as it hosted the world’s first international art fair dedicated exclusively to contemporary ceramics. Taking place on 25–28 January 2024 at Brussels’ iconic Tour & Taxis site, the fair brought together Belgian and international galleries, key institutions and leaders in the field, highlighting the diverse applications of ceramics in contemporary art and design.

Managed by the Franco-Belgian duo Gilles Parmentier and Jean-Marc Dimanche, Ceramic Brussels was the first-of-its-kind platform for high-level exchanges, networking and collaborations in the ceramic art community. The inaugural edition featured some 60 participants, with 20 galleries presenting solo shows, emphasising diverse perspectives from various disciplines and nationalities.

Guest of honour Johan Creten, a pioneer in contemporary ceramics, contributed to the fair’s programme and selection as an advisory board member. The event also introduced the Ceramic Brussels Art Prize, showcasing emerging talent without gallery representation.

For more insights on upcoming art and design fairs, such as Dutch Design Week and London Design Festival, head to our Global Events section.

UAE – Emirates Airline is adding new options to its ‘vegan vault’ of in-flight meals, after noting a 40% surge in demand for plant-based options. The airline reported serving over 450,000 vegan meals on board in 2023, compared with 280,000 the previous year – an increase of over 60%. When taking into consideration the gap in passenger volumes, the airline notes that the figure drops to a still impressive 40%. Emirates also revealed that the highest number of requests for vegan meals were on routes to China, Japan and The Philippines.

Emirates’ vegan vault now counts more than 300 plant-based meal options, featuring products from many leading brands. On board, passengers can enjoy Beyond Meat proteins, soy proteins from Singapore and UAE-based brand Arlene, organic dark vegan chocolate provided by French company Linnolat, or plant-based margarine made by German brand MeisterMarken, among others.

While interest in veganism might be cooling, these insights suggest that plant-based aisles are still relevant. In our Adaptive Appetites macrotrend, we unpack how high volatility and an ever-evolving food landscape push consumers and brands alike to adapt rapidly.