Michelin retires Green Star program

Michelin said on Tuesday it is ending the Green Star, the sustainability distinction it introduced six years ago for restaurants, as it broadens how it covers sustainability across hospitality and wine. The company said the Green Star, which had been limited to gastronomy, will be “gradually phased out” alongside the launch of a new editorial platform called Mindful Voices. Michelin said Mindful Voices will feature chefs, hoteliers and wine producers rather than operate as a formal award. The first step in the rollout is scheduled for June 1, 2026, at the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony in Copenhagen. ### What exactly is Michelin ending? The Green Star was Michelin’s sustainability recognition for restaurants, and Michelin said on May 19 that the initiative will come to an end. In its announcement, the company said the program had been limited to gastronomy, while its newer plans extend to hospitality and vineyards as well. The Caterer, which reported the change on Tuesday, said the Green Star will end as Mindful Voices launches next month. (webwire.com) Michelin had still been awarding Green Stars in 2026, including in Great Britain and Ireland earlier this year, underscoring that the retirement comes after the accolade remained active in recent guide selections. ### What is replacing it? (webwire.com) Mindful Voices is an editorial series, not a badge or award, according to Michelin’s statement and trade coverage. Michelin said the project is meant to “highlight and share the stories and pioneering practices” of chefs, hoteliers and wine producers across its global platforms. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said the new framework draws on what Michelin’s inspection teams “witness firsthand” and is intended to give broader reach to people “transforming how things are done.” Michelin said the content will appear on its website, app, social media, in print and at events. (thecaterer.com) ### Why is Michelin broadening beyond restaurants? (webwire.com) Michelin said the new format reflects its expansion into hospitality and wine as well as its presence in more than 60 destinations. In the company’s description, Mindful Voices is designed to move “beyond gastronomy” and focus on people across three areas: gastronomy, hospitality and vineyards. The shift also changes the form of recognition. (webwire.com) Unlike the Green Star, Mindful Voices will not carry an icon or logo, The Caterer reported, making it closer to an editorial spotlight than a scored distinction within the guide. ### Does this mean Michelin is dropping sustainability? Michelin did not say it was abandoning sustainability coverage. (webwire.com) Instead, the company said Mindful Voices will spotlight people whose work proposes “new methods” and “inspiring initiatives” across gastronomy, hospitality and wine. That means the sustainability emphasis is being recast in a different format. Michelin’s statement describes the new platform as a way to amplify commitment and practices rather than attach a formal symbol to a restaurant listing. (thecaterer.com) ### When does the change take effect? June 1, 2026 is the first date Michelin has attached to the new rollout. Michelin said Mindful Voices will be unveiled at the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony in Copenhagen on that date, with the editorial series then being introduced gradually on a global basis. (webwire.com) Michelin’s next step, by its own account, is to publish Mindful Voices content across its digital and print channels and feature chefs, hoteliers and wine producers as the series expands. (webwire.com)