Rooted Founders Shortlisted for National Sustainability Awards

Rooted co-founders Nicoletta Koutalianos and Stephanie Luong were one of 3 finalists selected for the Finder Green Awards 2021 which were held on Wednesday afternoon via Zoom conference.

They were shortlisted for the Rising Star of the Year category for their work in building their business Rooted, a 100% plant-based and plastic-free meal delivery service.

“Rooted was founded to answer a gaping hole in the meal delivery space. There is a rising number of the Australian population turning to veganism and plant-based foods every year, thanks to more education on sustainability and environmental impacts than ever before. People are increasingly conscious of their choices and how it reflects on their health, and the health of the planet.

“At Rooted, we’ve created an answer to that. A solution for modern times, we make convenience guilt-free. We use absolutely zero plastic, 100% home compostable packaging, and our food is entirely plant-based and gluten-free. In the meal delivery industry, we’re the only business in Australia to satisfy all these points. That makes us not only one of the healthiest meal delivery services in Australia, but the most sustainable,” Luong said.

Since launching in April, thousands of users have flocked to the site to demonstrate an overwhelming demand for their products.

“The core of our message is that you don’t have to compromise – you can eat delicious food, and it can be healthy, convenient, and good for the environment too!” Koutalianos said. “We’ve seen incredible responses to our products such as our Summer Roll Bowl, Pizza Bowl, Cheeseburger Bowl, and more – because it tastes exactly like your favourite guilty pleasures, but it’s actually good for you.”

The Finder Green Awards is one of the broadest sustainability awards programs in Australia, and they help Australians to find the companies leading the way on sustainability in sectors that we compare. 

Their business, Rooted, is also a finalist for the Small Business Champion Awards 2021. They are shortlisted for the Environmental Business category, with results to be announced on the 31st July at Sydney’s The Star.

The Small Business Champion Awards is the most prestigious small business awards program in Australia.

“We’re only just beginning our journey to revolutionise the way Australians eat, and we’re honoured to be receiving recognition so early on,” Luong said.