New details have emerged about why a Brazilian chef pulled out of catering for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, after reports of a dispute over a “vegan-only menu” caused controversy in Brazil.
Saulo Jennings, who serves as a United Nations gastronomy ambassador, said earlier this week that he withdrew from the November 5 event after being told all dishes must be plant-based.
The environmental awards will be hosted at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio.
Mr Jennings, who specialises in Amazonian cuisine, had initially planned to serve pirarucu — a giant river fish native to the Amazon — as the centrepiece of his menu for around 700 guests.
His comments sparked debate across Brazil, where critics saw the reported vegan stipulation as a slight against the country’s rich culinary heritage ahead of its role as host of the UN’s upcoming climate summit.
The chef compared the restriction to “asking Iron Maiden to play jazz,” describing it as “a lack of respect for local cuisine.”
He told the New York Times: “I have nothing against vegans or British people, but I don’t want to abandon my culinary mission.”
However, it has since emerged that Mr Jennings’ withdrawal was linked to budget constraints rather than a disagreement about food policy.
Chef exit from Prince William event linked to budget dispute as new details emerge
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The Earthshot Prize had sought quotes from local chefs to provide canapés for the awards, which will not include a formal sit-down dinner.
Mr Jennings’ proposal reportedly exceeded the event’s catering budget, and another supplier based within the Museum of Tomorrow was chosen instead.
The organisation is understood to routinely request vegetarian menus for its ceremonies in line with its sustainability commitments, but not strictly vegan ones.
Mr Jennings had expressed willingness to include vegetarian dishes and has worked closely with British institutions in the past, including the British Embassy in Brazil, for which he designed the King’s Birthday menu earlier this year.
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Prince William suffers setback as Brazilian chef quits over 'vegan-only Earthshot menu' | INSTAGRAM VIA SAULO JENNINGS / GETTYThe Prince of Wales, who launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to recognise innovative environmental projects, is expected to attend the Rio ceremony as part of his global climate agenda.
He is also due to travel to Belém, in northern Brazil, for the World Leaders Summit at the UN climate conference later in the week.
Mr Jennings is set to cater receptions for the Norwegian and Chinese delegations at that summit, as well as an event hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Speaking about those engagements, the chef said: “With all due respect, there will be fish.”
Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020, which awards five innovative projects £1million each to combat critical environmental issues | EARTHSHOTHe has built his reputation on promoting sustainable Amazonian gastronomy rooted in Indigenous traditions.
The pirarucu — once nearly extinct due to poaching — has become central to his menus, sourced through community-led conservation programmes that balance environmental protection with local livelihoods.
“Our work has always been about balance,” Mr Jennings has said. “We eat whatever the forests give us, whatever the rivers give us.”