V-Label

Kastbergs Is sorbet

© Kastbergs Is
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Danish Ice Cream Maker Kastbergs Achieves V-Label Certification for Vegan Sorbets

Kastbergs Is, a Danish producer of premium ice creams, has gained V-Label certification for its range of vegan sorbets. The sorbets are reportedly made with minimal processing, using natural fruit bases and recipes developed in collaboration with professional chefs. They are available in flavors such as lemon, raspberry, and mango, and are said to feature a consistent texture and melt profile optimized for plating and storage in professional kitchens. The desserts are sold in foodservice-friendly formats for institutional and HoReCa distribution. By gaining V-Label certification for the sorbets, Kastbergs Is hopes to align with the plant-based transition, offering a variety of low-emission, allergen-friendly dessert options. The company says plant-based innovation will be a key component of its future growth strategy. As part of a broader …

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F-Label

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Fermentation

F-Label Establishes Standards for Animal-Free Ingredients Produced via Fermentation

V-Label GmbH has introduced F-Label, a certification dedicated to precision fermentation and related animal-free production technologies. The certification applies to processes such as biomass fermentation, syngas fermentation, and cell-free synthesis, which produce compounds traditionally derived from animals without using animal inputs. F-Label is intended to provide transparency regarding the production process of these ingredients, ensuring they are animal-free while differentiating them from traditional plant-based products. Unlike vegan certification, which considers ethical and environmental factors, F-Label verifies that no animals were involved in production while acknowledging that the final products may be molecularly identical to animal-derived ingredients. The first company to receive F-Label certification is Luyef Biotechnologies, a biotech firm focused on alternative proteins. Luyef’s certified product is a precision-fermented myoglobin designed to enhance the color, …

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Image courtesy ProVeg International

Company News

ProVeg Nigeria Partners With V-Label to Promote Vegan Products in the Country

Food awareness organization ProVeg Nigeria has partnered with global vegan certification V-Label to promote plant-based and vegan products throughout Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is said to have seen significant changes in dietary patterns in recent years, with a growing number of consumers avoiding or reducing their intake of animal products. Consequently, the country is a rapidly expanding market for sustainable and ethical products, with one report suggesting that the Nigerian vegan food market will grow with a CAGR of 10.3% between 2024 and 2031. V-Label has already been active on the African continent for several years, with V-Label South Africa operating under the management of ProVeg South Africa. The initiative has been instrumental in promoting plant-based certification and awareness in the region, working with …

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Renato Pichler of V-Label/C-Label

Renato Pichler. © V-Label
Interviews

C-Label: “We Stand at a Political Tipping Point and It Is Crucial That Cultivated Meat Receives Approval”

V-Label was founded 29 years ago and is now one of the world’s best-recognized vegan and vegetarian trademarks. It supports more than 35 NGOs worldwide and certifies over 70,000 products from 4,800+ licensees. Recently, V-Label launched C-Label, a new trademark for cultivated products. It is said to be the first independent authority to certify cultivated food producers around the globe. Renato Pichler is the CEO of Swissveg, the founder of V-Label GmbH, and a board member of ProVeg and the European Vegetarian Union. He has been working full-time to spread veganism and vegetarianism since 1993. We spoke to him to find out more about the new C-Label certification. Why is it essential for cultivated meat to have a dedicated certification like C-Label? Cultivated meat is …

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Cultivated meat C-Label

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

V-Label Introduces C-Label, a New Certification for Cultivated Food Products

V-Label, the organization behind one of the world’s best-known vegan and vegetarian trademarks, has announced the launch of a new certification for cultivated food products. Called C-Label, it is said to be the first independent authority to certify cultivated food producers around the globe. To qualify, products must meet several conditions: Animal-free cell growth media must be used. Any interventions or procedures requiring animals must be demonstrably necessary, painless, and stress-free. Animals must not be killed during the procurement or manufacturing process. End products must be GMO-free, though GMOs may be used in the production process. Antibiotics must not be used, and products must be made using a pathogen-free process. They must also be free of heavy metals and plastics. Cell extractions from animals must …

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plant-based meat alternatives

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Studies & Numbers

41.8% of Europeans Have Explored Alternative Proteins in the Past Two Years

A 13-country survey* conducted by FMCG Gurus in partnership with V-Label has illustrated shifting consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins and sustainability in Europe. It finds that 52.2% of Europeans have changed their diets in the past two years, with 29.2% having reduced their red meat consumption. Meanwhile, a huge 41.8% have explored alternative protein sources such as legumes and plant-based alternatives. These changes are predominantly driven by awareness of the health benefits of plant-based food, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and animal welfare concerns. However, limitations around taste, cost, and availability continue to prevent more widespread adoption of plant-based alternatives. The results also indicate that 44.5% of European consumers believe irreversible damage has been done to the environment, while 69.2% want brands to educate …

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V Label launches advisory board

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Market & Trends

Insights from V-Label and YouGov Reveal Rapid Growth of Plant-Based Purchases in Germany

The V-Label strengthens the analysis of plant-based consumption in Germany. Since late 2024, YouGov‘s Consumer & Shopper Intelligence Shopper Panel (formerly Consumer Panel Services, part of the GfK Group until 2023) has incorporated all products labeled as vegan with the V-Label into a new “Vegan” category. To facilitate this, ProVeg – the organization responsible for issuing the V-Label in Germany – provides market researchers with a comprehensive list of all V-Label licensed plant-based products in the country. Plant-based purchases in Germany outpace overall FMCG market The FMCG market includes products that consumers purchase frequently and regularly, such as food and beverages, as well as cosmetics and cleaning products. According to YouGov’s consumption analyses, this market is currently undergoing significant changes. A YouGov Shopper Panel study …

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V-Label announcement

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Company News

V-Label Reaches a Record Number of Certified Products and Licencees

The international certification organisation V-Label recently reported the achievement of a significant milestone in its mission. According to the report, V-Label has reached a record number of certified products and licencees, which represents a major achievement in its history. As of 15 July 2024, V-Label has certified more than 70,000 products. This record number underlines the growing trust that manufacturers and consumers have in V-Label’s certification standards. In addition, the number of licensees has also reached a new high: more than 4,800 companies now hold a licence from V-Label and its network of 37 local partner organisations. This growth in licensees shows that the value and credibility of the V-Label certification process is widely recognised in the industry. A commitment to helping consumers and manufacturers …

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V-Label updated logos

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Company News

V-Label Seeks Members for Newly Established Advisory Board to Help Advance its Mission

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, certifying more than 50,000 products from more than 4,300 licensees globally, announces the launch of its newly established Advisory Board. The launch of the Advisory Board is a part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting a growing global network of not-for-profit organizations that conduct licensing of vegan and vegetarian products. Established in Switzerland in 1996, V-Label is currently seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including but not limited to business development, organizational development, sales, finance, consulting, strategy, marketing, learning and development, and sustainability, as members of the Board. Members will have the opportunity to provide guidance, expert advice, and diverse perspectives to support V-Label International in achieving its goals and advancing its mission. Objectives of …

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Middle East Vegan Society

Seb Alex. Image: Middle East Vegan Society
Charity & Campaigns

V-Label Announces Partnership With Middle East Vegan Society

International vegan and vegetarian trademark V-Label has announced a partnership with the Middle East Vegan Society (MEVS) to promote the transparent labeling of vegan and vegetarian products in the region. The two organizations will work together to increase the adoption of V-Label certification among Middle Eastern producers and retailers. The collaboration will be active in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. V-Label provides certification for both food and non-food items that meet its stringent criteria. Through the collaboration with MEVS, the organization will support the growing number of consumers in the region who are turning to veganism. “We are thrilled to partner with the Middle East Vegan Society to further our mission of promoting veganism worldwide,” said Martin Ranninger, co-director of V-Label. “By …

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Shopping in a LIDL grocery discount supermarket in the meat aisle

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Retail & E-Commerce

European Private Label Sales Reach €340Bn as Retailers Cater to Consumer Lifestyle Changes

European private label sales reached a record €340 billion in 2023, according to data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). Private label sales accounted for 54% of total market growth last year, and now make up 38.5% of the grocery market’s total value. The turnover of private label brands grew by 13% in 2023 — more than double the rate of manufacturers’ brand sales. Citing a a McKinsey report, vegan trademark V-Label argues that this is partially because supermarket brands are catering to consumer lifestyle changes. While the first wave of private label products mainly aimed to provide a budget option, the second wave involved launching product lines such as vegan, organic, and free from, along with premium ranges. By targeting health-conscious consumers, many …

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ProVeg Czechia

Julie Karabinová. © ProVeg Czechia
Interviews

ProVeg Czechia: “The Interest in V-Label is Unprecedented and Demand is Constantly Growing”

In 2021, the Czech Vegan Society became ProVeg Czechia, as interest in plant-based diets began to grow rapidly in the country. At the time, a quarter of Czechs were already reducing their meat consumption, with 6% avoiding meat altogether. Since then, the Czech plant-based market has only continued to grow, and ProVeg Czechia is now one of 11 ProVeg offices worldwide working to raise awareness of food system transformation. The organisation has been instrumental in bringing the internationally recognised vegan and vegetarian trademark V-Label to the country, along with helping to make plant-based foods more mainstream. Julie Karabinová joined ProVeg in 2021, working as V-Label certification manager for the nonfood section and New Food Forum co-organizer. We spoke to her to find out more about …

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V-Label FF event banner

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Fairs & Events

V-Label Announces Partnership with Free From Trade Fairs

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, announces a new partnership with Expo Business Communications, the organiser of the Free From Functional Food & Ingredients Expo. Companies whose vegan and vegetarian products are licenced by V-Label may now benefit from an attractive participation package for the upcoming fair in Amsterdam. The 11th edition of the Free From Food Expo will take place on 21-22 November 2023 in RAI Amsterdam. The event promises to be the most focused, dynamic, and exciting Free From Food edition yet providing insight into the most important food lifestyle trends as well as what will be on the shelves five years from now. “Because of the partnership we can offer V-Label licensees a very attractive participation package for the upcoming …

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Plant Based World Expo

© Plant Based World Expo
Fairs & Events

V-Label Invites Licensees to Feature in Pavilion at PBW Europe

V-Label, an internationally recognised symbol for labelling vegan and vegetarian products, has announced that there are a limited number of booths remaining in its pavilion at Plant Based World Expo Europe (PBW) later this year. The pavilion is exclusively for V-Label licensees, though those who are in the process of becoming licensed are also eligible. As part of the collaboration between V-Label and PBW, this year’s V-Label Awards will also be taking place at the event, and those with booths in the pavilion will receive free entry to the Awards for three of their products. According to V-Label, the pavilion will be a high-traffic area, so licensees will be able to gain significant exposure. V-Label’s participation in the show program should also bring increased attention. …

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International V-Label Awards

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Fairs & Events

International V-Label Awards Opens Applications in Partnership With PBWE Europe

The International V-Label Awards will return for the third time this year, celebrating positive impact in the plant-based industry. For this year’s event, V-Label has partnered with Plant Based World Expo Europe, the continent’s only fully plant-based B2B trade show. Applications are now open until the end of July. The expert-judged categories — slightly altered from last year — are Sustainability, Innovation, Marketing & Branding, and the Consumers’ Choice Award. Vegan food products, beverages, cosmetics, and non-food products are all eligible. The jury will include industry experts such as Vikas Garg of abillion and The Vegan Agency founder Paula Gonzalez Carracedo. Representatives of prominent plant-based organizations and media outlets, such as the ProVeg Incubator and vegconomist, will also be present. Innovative vegan products Last year’s …

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V Label Food Heroes

© V-Label

People

V-Label’s Food Heroes 2023 Recognises 20 Pioneers of a Plant-Based, Cruelty-Free World

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, reveals its 2023 Food Heroes, celebrating 20 individuals spanning education, activism, research, technology, politics, and entrepreneurship, all working towards the common goal of transforming outdated food systems and changing the narrative around the possibilities of thriving without harming the planet. The food heroes recognised in the 2023 awards will be well-known to most of our readers, and are as follows: Tobias Leenaert: Author / Co-founder, Proveg David Yeung: Founder and CEO, Green Monday Ignacia Uribe: Founder, President & CEO, Vegetarianos Hoy Olaoluwa Fashola: Founder & CEO, Casa Vegan Zoltan Toth-Czifra: Founder & CEO, Real Deal Milk Deniz Ficicioglu: Co-founder & Co-CEO, BettaF!sh and Oceanfruit Niccolo Galizzi: Head of Product Development, Revo Foods Priyanka Srinivas: Founder & CEO, …

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Company News

V-Label Renews and Expands Strategic Partnership With FMCG Gurus

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, announces that the organization has renewed its partnership with UK-based consumer insight agency FMCG Gurus. As V-Label’s consumer insights research partner, FMCG Gurus provides market research and insight into consumer attitudes and behaviors across the food, beverage, and supplement markets worldwide. “As V-Label continues to grow, so does our need to better understand consumer behavior in new markets. We have partner organizations in many countries outside of Europe, such as Mexico, Columbia, and Argentina, and we are currently onboarding new partner organizations in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brazil,” comments Martin Ranninger, V-Label International’s Co-Director on the expanded partnership. “It is a pleasure to be the official consumer insights partner for V-Label, supporting them to understand consumer attitudes and …

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© V-Label
Retail & E-Commerce

V-Label Launches Online Store, Allowing Consumers to Try Foods From Other Countries

International vegan trademark V-Label has launched an e-commerce store, which will begin with the introduction of the new V-Label Box. The box will contain a selection of products from various countries, allowing consumers to try foods that may not be available in their region. Several editions will be offered throughout the year, with each one supported by influencer marketing campaigns. Later in 2023, more options will be added to the online store, including clothing. “Our position is unique in the sense that we stand between the producers and consumers. Both producers and consumers may now benefit from the V-Label Box,” said Suzet Miedema, V-Label International’s Business Development Manager. “For businesses and brands that are not present in selected markets, they are able to introduce their …

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V-Label updated logos

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Facts & Figures

V-Label Reveals Updated Logos as Number of Certified Products Exceeds 50,000

 V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, has unveiled its newly updated logos in response to continued global growth and expansion. The trademark originated in Europe, but now certifies over 50,000 products from more than 4,300 licensees globally. The new logos will make it easier to differentiate between vegan and vegetarian products, with the vegan logo retaining its yellow background and the vegetarian logo now featuring a green background. The text has also been updated to stand out more. Due to the large number of certified products, V-Label believes it could take up to two years for the changes to be reflected across all items. The organisation hopes the long transition period will prevent packaging with the old logo from being wasted. Vegan certification …

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international v-label awards 2022 Winners

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Fairs & Events

International V-Label Awards 2022 Winners Revealed

World-leading vegan & vegetarian trademark V-Label revealed the winners of this year’s International V-Label Awards at the Virtual Awards Ceremony held on November 3rd, coinciding with World Vegan Month. All entries were carefully reviewed by a jury panel consisting of media and industry experts and NGOs. The International V-Label Awards also include a public voting round to determine the Special Consumer’s Award and a Special Influencer’s Award, voted by 15 international vegan content creators.  Meet the winners of the International V-Label Awards 2022: Best Dairy Alternative: bettermoo(d)’s camembert and cream cheese range, Austria bettermoo(d) is a plant-based dairy brand that claims to have a matching taste profile with the best-tasting dairy in the world. To emulate the milk taste from the Alpine regions, the company has created a plant-based dairy-alternative …

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