Our Pop-Up Diaries: Behind the Scenes in El Vegans Málaga
When we first launched Vegaliano, our vision was never limited to being just another e-commerce site. From the start, our goal was clear: to make traditional Italian cuisine accessible in a way that reflects modern values — food that’s kind to animals, people, and the planet. We wanted to show that the flavors rooted in our culture — from aged cheeses and creamy tiramisu to pantry staples like pesto and ragù — could be reimagined, thoughtfully and fully plant-based.
We also understood something important: not everyone has the time, tools, or resources to make everything from scratch. While many dream of slow-cooking sauces on a Sunday or crafting their own vegan mozzarella, daily life doesn’t always allow for that. That’s where Vegaliano steps in — to do the sourcing, curating, and testing for you. To bring together the best of vegan Italian products so that preparing a beautiful meal is easier, faster, and still full of flavor.
As we grew, our project naturally expanded beyond digital. We began working across different fronts — advocating for more affordable access to quality vegan food, pushing for better animal welfare, and supporting fair labor practices in food production. These values now shape everything we do, including the physical spaces where we bring Vegaliano to life.
Why Málaga?
Our pop-up journey has taken us to different corners of Europe, but Málaga is something special. In recent years, Spain has seen a sharp rise in plant-based interest, with studies showing over 35% of consumers have reduced or eliminated meat from their diets. The Mediterranean — long celebrated for its vibrant produce and seasonal eating — is naturally aligned with a more plant-forward way of life.
But like many places, the vegan retail spaces in Europe as well as globally are under pressure. Independent stores are closing. Costs are rising. Visibility is often low. And yet, we’ve met passionate people, resilient entrepreneurs, and community builders who still believe in this movement. That’s how we connected with El Vegans Málaga, whose owners share our belief in ethical, accessible, and joyful plant-based living.
Opening a pop-up here wasn’t just a business decision — it was a way to build collective strength. Together, we’ve transformed a shared corner of the city into a space where people can taste, ask questions, try new things, and feel a sense of belonging. It was also part of a a much desire expansion to join forces to expand the idea of vegan cuisine beyond Italian and encompass Mediterranean cuisine as whole: Italy, Spain and beyond.
More Than a Storefront
Each pop-up we’ve hosted has given us insight. We’ve learned what products spark curiosity, what questions people ask, what flavors remind them of home. From holiday boxes in the Netherlands to weekend tastings in Belgium, and now this collaboration in Málaga, our pop-ups are test kitchens, listening stations, and shared tables all at once.
They remind us that food is local, emotional, and powerful. And they confirm why physical spaces still matter — especially in a time where ethical shops are disappearing and big retailers dominate the conversation.
So if you're in or around Málaga, we invite you to stop by. Try a smoky cheese. Pick up a jar of pistachio cream. Ask us about plant-based salami or how to pair a vegan spritz. Or simply chat. We're not here to sell perfection — we're here to make good food more possible.
This is what the Vegaliano project looks like when it lives offline: collaborative and rooted in values.
Thank you, El Vegans´ Malaga for letting us into your space!
We’re just getting started.
Remember to follow El Vegans´ Malaga @elvegans.malaga