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Agriculture / Agribusiness

Why Diversification is the Key to Resilient Agriculture

As Europe’s farmers face multiple threats – climate change, financial pressures, changing consumer demands, and shifting policy – many are wondering: what does a viable, sustainable path forward look like? In the latest episode of the New Food Hub Podcast by ProVeg International, host Gemma Tadman dives into that question with Simon Kraemer, a regenerative agriculture expert working with farmers across Europe through the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture. Their conversation explores the complex landscape of diversification – what it means in practice, how it’s being implemented, and why it’s critical for the future of farming. Despite the challenging agricultural landscape, Simon explains that farmers are motivated and excited by the concept of ‘sustainability’ and with this, diversifying to growing plant proteins or adopting regenerative …

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Market & Trends

The Generations Fuelling the Plant-Based Market

Consumer habits are changing fast, with Millennials and Gen Z making a significant impact. These generations are increasingly conscious of their food choices and are shaping the future of the food industry through their purchasing power, digital influence, and values-driven consumption. Among these generations, plant-based eating has become more popular, fuelled by concerns about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. According to the latest Smart Protein Project survey, Gen Z has the highest rates of vegetarians (7%), vegans (4%), and pescatarians (5%) in Europe. In contrast, omnivores are more prevalent in the Boomer and Gen X groups.  However, flexitarianism – the practice of reducing meat consumption without eliminating it entirely – is not confined to younger generations. Adoption rates are similar across Boomers (29%), Gen X …

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Society

ProVeg Announces 2025 Youth Board to Promote Plant-Based Diets

ProVeg International has selected 20 young advocates from a pool of over 500 applicants to join its 2025 Youth Board, a global initiative focused on advancing plant-based food systems. The board members, aged 15 to 29, represent diverse backgrounds and countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Youth Board will work closely with ProVeg’s United Nations team, contributing to policy discussions and participating in international events, including the Bonn Climate Conference in June, the World Food Forum in October, and COP30 in November. The board members will advocate for food system changes that reduce reliance on animal agriculture, which ProVeg states is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. ProVeg International CEO Jasmijn de Boo noted the strong interest …

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Retail & E-Commerce

How Retailers Can Lead the Shift To Plant-Based Eating

The future of plant-based food isn’t just in the hands of innovative brands or forward-thinking consumers – it’s also up to retailers, according to ProVeg International. With supermarkets responsible for 70% of food sales, they play a defining role in shaping the food environment. But are they doing enough to make plant-based the norm? In the latest episode of the New Food Hub podcast, ProVeg International speaks with Martine Van Haperen, an expert in food industry and food service. She sheds light on the current retail landscape for plant-based foods, the barriers preventing wider adoption, and how retailers can drive meaningful change. The silent majority wants change Consumers may say they want more plant-based options, but when they step into a supermarket, the dominance of …

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Company News

Lead the Plant-Based Business Movement in Your City – Apply Now!

The Vegan Business Circle International is expanding across Europe and seeking motivated chapter leaders to build thriving local plant-based business communities. As a leader, you’ll organize networking events, receive a €1,000 seed grant, and earn commission from local memberships. Only 2 days left to apply (Deadline: 28 February) – don’t miss this opportunity! Apply here.

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Delivery Services

How Food Delivery is Shaping the Plant-Based Industry

The food delivery boom is changing how consumers engage with food, and plant-based brands must adapt. With global delivery revenues estimated to reach USD 1.40 trillion by the end of 2025, convenience is now a key driver of food choices. The rise of plant-based meal kits and restaurant delivery services makes plant-based eating more accessible than ever. Tapping into the food delivery trend Meal kit providers like Planthood and Purple Carrot are thriving, while mainstream services such as Gousto and HelloFresh are expanding their plant-based options. Meanwhile, Deliveroo and UberEats report growing demand for plant-based meals, showing a shift in consumer habits. Brands like Planty and Grubby in the UK are capitalising on this, offering frozen and fresh plant-based meal deliveries. New data suggests that …

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Webtalk Recording: Foodservice – Gateway to Changing Consumer Habits

How is the foodservice industry driving plant-based adoption? In our latest webtalk, experts examined the sector’s critical role in reshaping consumer habits and advancing a more sustainable food system. Key challenges such as consumer preferences, premium pricing, and strategic pricing models—like Burger King’s decision to make plant-based options more affordable—were explored. Panelists also discussed what truly motivates flexitarian consumers, the significant volumes of animal protein still in demand, and how policymakers can be influenced to set reduction targets. The conversation highlighted the importance of giving consumers the freedom to choose, the power of effective promotion, and the vital role of chefs in accelerating plant-based innovation. Expert panel Watch the replay Explore the discussion in depth by viewing the entire session below. Monthly update by vegconomist …

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Marketing & Media

Why Brand Equity Is the Secret Weapon for Plant-Based Brands

Strong brand equity can make all the difference when the market is saturated with products. More than just a buzzword, brand equity represents the value your brand holds in the minds of consumers, influencing everything from loyalty and pricing power to market resilience. But how can plant-based brands cultivate strong brand equity, and why does it matter financially? The value of brand equity Big corporations like Coca-Cola have long recognised the financial power of brand equity, with the brand alone valued at over USD 106 billion. While plant-based brands may not yet have reached such high numbers, the same principles apply. A strong brand creates loyal customers, allows for premium pricing, and provides a buffer against market competition. Key benefits for plant-based brands Measuring brand …

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Retail & E-Commerce

The Case for More Plant-Based Foods in Retail

In some supermarkets, plant-based foods have been losing shelf space due to concerns over a perceived slowdown in growth. But is this really the end of the plant-based movement? Not at all, says ProVeg International. While some retailers hesitate, others are doubling down – and reaping the benefits. Lidl GB, for instance, recently introduced 28 new plant-based products and aims for 25% of total protein sales to come from plant-based sources by 2030. Their strategy reflects a broader reality: the plant-based market is evolving, not disappearing. As consumer habits shift and sustainability becomes an ever-greater priority, expanding your plant-based range is a smart business move. The market is maturing, not declining Despite economic challenges, the plant-based food sector continues to grow. In 2023, European plant-based …

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Health

Navigating Nutritional Challenges in Plant-Based Product Development

Consumers are becoming increasingly invested in their health and diet. But are today’s plant-based products meeting the mark? In the latest episode of the New Food Hub Podcast, ProVeg International tackles this important question with health and nutrition experts Anna-Lena Klapp and Valentina Gallani, who share their expertise on developing more nutritious plant-based products for a healthier future. The nutrition challenge: filling the gaps While plant-based products generally boast a healthier fat profile and higher fibre content, according to Valentina Gallani, some products can lack key nutrients like vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. So, what’s the answer? Valentina explains that fortification and novel food technologies, such as precision fermentation, can solve this issue.  “In general, biofortification and conventional fortification are great tools to increase the …

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Market & Trends

How To Build a Loyal Consumer Base for Your Plant-Based Products

In the competitive world of food and drink, brand loyalty is a superpower, says ProVeg International in their latest New Food Hub article. When it comes to the fast-growing plant-based sector – arguably, securing loyalty from consumers becomes even more important. Yet, achieving it among plant-based and flexitarian consumers requires more than just good products – it demands a mix of emotional connection, consistent quality, and practical incentives. Fully plant-based consumers often exhibit strong preferences but are quick to switch if a brand doesn’t meet their evolving standards for taste, sustainability, or price. On the other hand, flexitarians – those exploring plant-based alongside traditional options – seek convenience and versatility, making them less immediately loyal but no less valuable to win over. Why loyalty matters …

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Opinion

Op Ed: Tobias Leenaert – Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? A Report on the Defund Meat Conference

Tobias Leenaert is the author of How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, a highly regarded book offering practical strategies for vegan advocacy. He is also the co-founder of ProVeg International. Tobias is known for his thoughtful, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented approach to building a more sustainable and compassionate food system. In this article, Tobias discusses the key takeaways from the Defund Meat Conference in Heidelberg, Germany, where leading academics presented research and strategies for reducing meat consumption through legal, economic, and political interventions. Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? By Tobias Leenaert of ProVeg International On Jan. 16-17, 2025, I attended the Defund Meat Conference at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany. The one hundred or …

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Agriculture / Agribusiness

Diversification as the Key to Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

European agriculture faces mounting challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic volatility. The urgent need to transform farming systems has never been clearer. But how can Europe’s agricultural sector become more resilient and future-ready? ProVeg International’s policy brief, Future-fit farming: advancing resilience and sustainability in European agriculture, explores actionable steps to diversify and strengthen farming systems. By focusing on sustainability, economic resilience, and ecological health, the roadmap provides clear guidance for farmers, policymakers, businesses, and organisations. Why diversification matters Reliance on monoculture and animal agriculture leaves European farming systems highly vulnerable to climate shocks, market disruptions, and environmental degradation. Diversifying production systems offers critical benefits: Resilience: Diverse systems withstand climate and market pressures more effectively. Sustainability: Reducing reliance on resource-intensive practices conserves natural ecosystems. …

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Market & Trends

Trends Shaping the Future of the Alternative Protein Industry

The alternative protein market is at the forefront of innovation as food and beverage trends for 2025 begin to take shape. With health, sustainability, transparency, and authentic flavour experiences becoming key drivers of consumer choice, companies must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Understanding these emerging trends is essential for brands aiming to lead in a rapidly evolving industry. From new definitions of indulgence to evolving clean-label demands, ProVeg International’s New Food Hub identifies exciting trends that will define the year ahead (and beyond). 1. Functional and health-oriented foods Consumers are increasingly interested in how food and drink can optimise nutrition and deliver functional health benefits. They are taking a proactive approach to health by using nutrition to address specific challenges or support overall wellbeing. Despite …

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Retail & E-Commerce

Plant-based Alternatives Now Cheaper Than Animal Products Across Several Categories in Germany

Plant-based alternatives “represent a real ray of hope for hard-pressed households” in Germany, according to a new ProVeg study which finds that, for the first time, the cost of a plant-based shopping basket has fallen below that of its animal-based counterpart. On average, the price difference for a varied basket of goods now stands at 16%—a reduction of 9 percentage points compared to last year. For the third consecutive year, ProVeg compared plant-based and animal-based shopping baskets with staple items across twelve categories at Germany’s six leading grocery chains: Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Edeka, Kaufland, Lidl, and Rewe. The baskets include items such as cold cuts, bratwurst (including sausages), burgers, fish fingers, cream cheese, mince, yogurt, sliced cheese, cooking cream, milk, pizza, and schnitzel. The …

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encouraging retailers to shift

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Retail & E-Commerce

How Retailers Can Lead the Shift to Healthy, Sustainable Protein Choices

The private sector can play a vital role in advancing a societal shift toward healthier and more sustainable diets. Key to this is rebalancing plant and animal protein food sales to ensure that consumption aligns with evidence-based health recommendations and planetary boundaries. In a call to action on the New Food Hub, ProVeg International is urging food companies to set clear targets to rebalance their protein sales. The goal is for retailers to drive positive dietary change aligned with global and EU health and sustainability goals. By tracking progress toward protein split targets, food companies can uncover opportunities, develop and evaluate interventions, comply with regulatory expectations, and contribute significantly to a more sustainable food system. Rebalancing protein sales ProVeg International, partnered with WWF and the …

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Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

ProVeg International Expands to Brazil With First-Ever Office in South America

  ProVeg International, a food awareness organization aiming to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040, has expanded its global presence by opening its first office in South America: ProVeg Brazil. Led by journalist Aline Baroni, the Brazilian team will promote plant-forward public policies and work with the Brazilian government to highlight “food systems” as a central theme during the 2025 UN Climate Summit, COP30, which will take place in the Amazonian city of Belém. With this addition, the organization now operates in 14 countries, broadening its reach and influence in promoting the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets. The Brazil office follows the establishment of ProVeg Portugal earlier this year and offices in Nigeria and Malaysia in 2023. …

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Planetary Health Diet

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Charity & Campaigns

Retailers Urged to Adopt 60/40 Protein Split to Drive Healthier, More Sustainable Diets

Three global organizations, ProVeg International, WWF, and the Green Protein Alliance, are urging retailers to set targets for a 60% plant and 40% animal protein split in their sales to support healthy, sustainable diets aligned with the Planetary Health Diet by EAT-Lancet. The Planetary Health Diet suggests that the split between plant-based and animal-based foods should be 70% plant to 30% animal when all food groups are included and 60% plant to 40% animal when just focusing on protein-source foods, including meat, eggs, fish, and legumes. The organizations highlight retailers as “pivotal” in enabling societies to transition to sustainable diets and setting industry standards for measuring and achieving protein rebalancing. They encourage retailers to track progress toward these protein split targets to promote a comprehensive shift …

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creating lasting connections with consumers

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Marketing & Media

How Can Plant-Based Brands Create Lasting Connections with Consumers?

In the increasingly competitive plant-based sector, it’s clear that offering a great product is no longer enough. Today’s consumers want to connect with the brands they choose on a deeper level. Brands that can evoke love and respect from consumers become more than just products – they become essential to their lives. For plant-based brands, shared values such as sustainability or health often form the basis of this emotional connection. But how do you build and sustain this bond? Authentic storytelling, consistent brand experiences, and tapping into consumers’ subconscious drivers can all help plant-based brands foster loyalty and advocacy. Brands like Allplants and Heura Foods have harnessed this strategy, embedding their values into every customer interaction. Whether it’s through the founders’ personal stories or promoting …

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UK crops

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Agriculture / Agribusiness

What’s Next for the Future of Food in Europe?

The world urgently needs to change the way it produces (and consumes) food. Our current agricultural practices are major contributors to climate change, land degradation, and resource depletion. In fact, the global food system is responsible for a staggering one-third of all global emissions,[1][2][3] with animal-based foods accounting for up to 20% of human-made greenhouse gases.[4][5] Even if we eliminated fossil fuels today, ignoring the food system would make it impossible to keep global warming below 1.5°C.[6] Change needs to happen from the top down – with support from policymakers and policies that can empower and enable food industry stakeholders to build a more sustainable food system. On September 4th, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received the Strategic Dialogue’s final report …

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