Dutch brands make half of recipes on packaging meat-free

© Jumbo

Seven Dutch Brands Agree to Make 50% of Recipes on Their Packaging Meat-Free

Following campaigning by animal rights group Wakker Dier, seven brands in the Netherlands — Conimex, Fairtrade Original, Jumbo, Knorr, Koh Tai, Patak’s, and Plus — have agreed to make 50% of the suggested recipes on their product packaging meat-free. Another two major brands — Grand’Italia and Lassie — already feature 50% vegetarian or vegan recipes, while Albert Heijn and Maggi have pledged to add plant-based tips to their packaging but not to remove meat from half of recipes. Just one of the brands approached, Honig, said it would not make any changes. After analysing 657 recipes on product packaging, Wakker Dier found that over 80% currently feature meat or fish. The group points out that the Health Council of the Netherlands recommends eating 60% plant-based …

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Semana sin carne

© ProVeg Spain

More Than 32,000 People Join Spain’s Meat-Free Week Semana Sin Carne

On the occasion of World Meatless Day, which is on March 20, ProVeg has announced the seventh edition of Semana Sin Carne (Meat-free Week), a 7-day challenge to encourage the population to adopt a more plant-based diet and give the health of our planet a break. The seven-day challenge will begin next Monday, March 18 and all interested people will be able to live a different plant experience each day of the challenge. Every day you will be provided with a daily menu, exclusive vegan recipes, nutritional tables, comparisons or nutritional advice and support, among many other things. Eating plant-based saves money The organization states that “a more plant-based diet will make you save on the shopping cart,” which, in turn, is in line with …

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Hungry Planet crab cakes

© Hungry Planet

Hungry Planet Among 65 Global Plant-Based Organizations Nominated for Earthshot Prize

Hungry Planet Foods announces that it has officially been nominated for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, a global initiative that seeks to discover, celebrate, and scale innovative solutions that address the planet’s biggest environmental challenges by 2030.  The company creates plant-based meat alternatives, such as beef, chicken, pork, and crab, using ingredients like textured wheat protein, soy protein, and other plant ingredients. Hungry Planet states that its products are now served at thousands of food service venues across the US, including fine dining, fast casual, universities, and hospitals, along with various retail outlets and online via PlantX. Through its philanthropic arm, the company has also helped provide over 1 million meals to school children K-12. The Earthshot Prize, established in 2020 by Prince William and The …

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Vegetarianos Hoy vegan certified

© Vegetarianos Hoy

More Than 50 Companies in LATAM Joined the V-Label Certification Scheme in 2023

Fundación Veg, previously known as Fundación Vegetarianos Hoy, has announced that by the end of 2023, a total of 170 companies and 1,900 products had obtained a V-Label certification in Latin America. Through this program, the foundation encourages companies to include vegan products within sustainability strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of food production. From Mexico to Chile, 164 companies of different brands and product varieties have achieved V-Label certification. In the words of the director of the Veg Foundation, Ignacia Uribe, “Among the companies that have entrusted their certification to the Foundation we have names of multinationals such as Nestlé, Bimbo, Concha y Toro, and Masglo, among others, but we also have local enterprises that even have certified artisanal products, such as the case …

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Veganuary participants

© Veganuary

Veganuary 2024 Supports Over 1.8 Million Participants Worldwide to Try Veganism

With Veganuary 2024 having recently come to a close, the organization has revealed that over 1.8 million people received its support and guidance to try veganism, in the form of emails, videos, social media posts, and podcasts. Many also purchased Veganuary products, such as the charity’s cookbook and Vegan Kit card deck. Veganuary has calculated that the actual number of participants is likely to be even higher than the figures indicate, as many people take part without officially signing up. To gain an estimate of the true number, the organization has commissioned YouGov surveys in its core campaign countries. The results suggest that the total number of participants could be as high as 25 million. Awareness of Veganuary also continues to grow, with 75% of …

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Sandra Hungate of Veganuary US

Sandra Hungate. © Veganuary US

Veganuary US: “We Have Participants in All 50 States, Interest is No Longer Confined to Cities Like New York and LA”

Since starting out in the UK ten years ago, Veganuary has surged in popularity worldwide — particularly in the US, where the campaign is now taking place for the fifth time. The country has the highest number of participants of any nation, and over 400 American businesses took part last year. In 2024, a variety of restaurants are offering Veganuary menus, with new options such as pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. With a significant proportion of participants remaining plant-based for good after taking part in the challenge, Veganuary is driving a meaningful shift in dietary patterns, prompting many food service outlets to continue offering vegan dishes after the month is over. Veganuary US Director Sandra Hungate told us more about this incredible momentum and the highlights …

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amsterdam

©iamsterdam.com

Amsterdam Becomes First EU Capital to Endorse Global Plant Based Treaty

Amsterdam has become the first capital city in the EU to endorse calls for a global Plant Based Treaty, which proposes addressing the impact of the food system on climate change by shifting towards a more plant-based diet. In a statement, the City of Amsterdam Council acknowledged that the food system has “a significant impact on the health of people and animals and contributes to the climate crisis”. It has set out plans to shift the protein ratio in the city’s diet from 40 to 60 percent plant-based by 2030, saying that the municipality “takes responsibility to drive changes in the food system, ensuring that all residents of Amsterdam have access to healthy, fair, sustainable, and affordable food and drinks”. The council has also adopted …

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The Green REV Institute, calls on EU decision-makers to prioritize the well-being of citizens and public health above the interests of the meat industry.

© olly-stock.adobe.com

Plant-Based Labels: The Green REV Institute Urges EU Decision Makers to Prioritize Public Health Over Meat Industry Interests

The Green REV Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on farming, food, and animal welfare, has submitted a document to the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) urging EU decision-makers to prioritize the well-being of citizens and public health above the interests of the meat industry. The submission comes in response to Italy’s controversial bills banning animal product names on plant-based meat labels. Through TRIS, the European Commission and member states review draft laws to assess their compliance with EU regulations due to the potential impact of such prohibitions on the region’s market. The right to information and health The Green REV Institute emphasizes that consumers have the right to information and health, as guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The organization argues …

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Vegan Society of Ireland

© Vegan Society of Ireland

Vegetarian Society of Ireland Renamed to Vegan Society of Ireland Following Unanimous Vote

Over 40 years after it was founded, The Vegetarian Society of Ireland has become The Vegan Society of Ireland after members unanimously voted in favour of the change. The organisation, which is a registered charity, said that most members were already vegan and interest had dwindled, indicating that a rebrand was needed. However, vegetarians are still welcome to join, and all members can benefit from a number of discounts. The Vegan Society of Ireland plans to raise awareness of veganism in Ireland by running campaigns and events, along with gaining media exposure. The group already has 50 volunteers, and expects to gain more following the transition. “I’m absolutely delighted that we have finally reached the stage where we are about to launch the Vegan Society …

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Land of Kush

© Land of Kush

Veganuary 2024 Sees Major US Cities Embracing Plant-Based Living

Veganuary, a global movement encouraging people to try vegan in January, has seen remarkable growth in the United States. With the highest number of participants among all of Veganuary’s participating countries and over 400 US businesses participating in 2023, the campaign is gaining substantial momentum. Cities across the nation are embracing this trend, each offering unique highlights and specials to celebrate Veganuary. Baltimore Baltimore set a national precedent by declaring January as the official Veganuary month, a move initiated by the Black Veg Society and Veganuary, supported by DefaultVeg. Mayor Brandon M. Scott emphasized the city’s commitment to “resilient, sustainable, and healthy” communities, urging residents and businesses to explore plant-based options. He proclaimed “the month of January as ‘Veganuary’ in Baltimore, and urges residents, restaurants, …

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Plant Based Treaty

© Plant Based Treaty

Exmouth Becomes Fifth UK Council to Endorse Global Plant Based Treaty

Exmouth has become the fifth UK council to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, joining Edinburgh, Norwich, Lambeth, and Haywards Heath in the fight to address the impact of food production on the climate emergency.  In a statement, the Exmouth Town Council declared its commitment to making a cleaner, greener, and healthier city by endorsing the treaty, adding that the initiative was crucial to its Climate Action Plan, which aims to establish a thriving, carbon-neutral community.  As part of the endorsement, the Exmouth Council has pledged to improve the accessibility and availability of plant-based foods and has committed to implementing various policies, including campaigns and activities to encourage the adoption of plant-based foods and raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets. Furthermore, it will promote food justice, particularly among low-income …

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mediterrean style plant-based shrimps

© Happy Ocean Foods

Veganuary: Germany’s National Rail Company Deutsche Bahn to Serve Happy Ocean Foods’ Shrymp & Tuna

Munich startup Happy Ocean Foods, producer of a popular line of soy-based shrimp as well as a recently added line of vegan tuna, announces a cooperation with the country’s national rail operator Deutsche Bahn to offer both products aboard its nationwide trains for Veganuary 2024. In addition to Deutsche Bahn, the restaurant chain L’Osteria is also working with Happy Ocean Foods for Veganuary across Germany. The chain, which operates 157 locations in eight countries, with over 6,000 employees in the DACH region, the UK, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, also offers vegan tuna made by fellow German brand BettaF!sh. Happy Ocean Foods’ flagship product, the SHRYMP, was launched in November 2021 and the following year enjoyed success on The Lion’s Den — …

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Make COP Matter campaign

© Meatless Farm

Meatless Farm Tells UK Government to “Make COP Matter” by Reducing Meat Consumption

As the end of the COP28 climate summit approaches, alt meat brand Meatless Farm is calling on the UK government to “Make COP Matter” with a new campaign. The company is asking the government to “support farmers, shift subsidies, and ‘Meat Less’”. For the latter, Meatless Farm has drafted a plan outlining regulatory and financial measures that could scale down the production and consumption of meat, while also increasing the availability and consumption of plant-based foods. These include tax breaks and grants for farmers who produce plant-based foods, more R&D into alt proteins, and new food sustainability laws. The campaign has been partially inspired by UN climate chief Simon Stiell, who says that “Good intentions won’t halve emissions this decade or save lives right now”. …

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Förderkreis Team

The team © Förderkreis Biozyklisch-Veganer Anbau e. V.

Germany’s Biocyclic Vegan Agriculture Association Celebrates 5 Years of Promoting Animal-Free Farming Practices

The German Association for the Promotion of Biocyclic Vegan Agriculture, Förderkreis Biozyklisch-Veganer Anbau e.V., recently celebrated its 5th anniversary, raising awareness of the advantages of organic vegan farming.  Founded and based in Berlin, the “Förderkreis” collaborates with international partner organizations in the Biocyclic Vegan International network. Its goal is to provide education in German-speaking countries on farming without the use of commercial livestock, animal slaughter, chemical fertilizers, or animal inputs. Biocyclic Vegan Agriculture aims to establish a new human-animal relationship in the agricultural sector. The German non-profit also advises gardeners and farmers on the practices that must be followed to obtain the IFOAM-accredited Biocyclic Vegan Standard. This label identifies the products as ‘vegan from the field’.   Over the past five years, the “Förderkreis” has made significant progress in raising awareness and …

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Legume Generation

© IPK Leibniz Institute J. Himpe

Legume Generation: Working to Reduce the Protein Gap in Europe

According to agricultural experts, Europe needs better legumes so that farmers can meet the demand for plant protein and support a protein transition. Against this background, 50 scientists and plant breeders recently met at the Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany. They are members of the Legume Generation consortium, which recently received €7 million in funding from the European Union and the United Kingdom. The total value of the new project is 8.6 million euros. The aim of the Legume Generation project, which runs from September 2023 to February 2028, is to reduce the European protein deficit by promoting the breeding of legumes that will make European agriculture more productive and profitable. The consortium is led by Dr. …

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Wagamama veganuary

© Wagamama

Wagamama, Beyond Meat, and Wicked Kitchen Join New ’50 by 25′ Sustainable Dining Campaign

Animal rights charity Viva! and Emma Osborne, founder of Citizen Kind, have together launched a large-scale, two-year long initiative centred around sustainable dining called 50 by 25, which urges restaurants to make 50% of their menu plant-based by the end of 2025. Restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, food brands, distributors, wholesalers, professional chefs, and delivery services will all play an important role in kicking off this UK-based campaign. Brands Wagamama, Beyond Meat, and Wicked Kitchen have already pledged their support, joined by celebrities such as plant-based chef Derek Sarno, co-founder of Wicked Kitchen, and the multi-award-winning French chef (turned vegan) Alexis Gauthier. Wagamama’s menu is already 50% plant-based, and the 50 by 25 campaign is now calling for other restaurants to follow suit. As part of the …

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Pope Francis with crowds

© Sustainable Earth Eating Inc

Sustainable Earth Eating Calls on Pope Francis to Reinstate Meatless Friday

Sustainable Earth Eating has officially addressed Pope Francis and called on him to reinstate the tradition of Meatless Friday in the Catholic Church. The missive arrives to coincide with Pope Francis‘ imminent participation in the yearly UN-IPCC climate conference, during which he may assume a pivotal role in advocating for climate action. The traditional custom of Meatless Friday, which has its roots in the Catholic Church, has historically encouraged adherents to refrain from consuming meat on Fridays as a means of engaging in penance and contemplation. This practice has yielded a profound influence in curbing meat consumption and fostering sustainable, ecologically responsible dietary practices. As a supporter of climate protection, Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken out in favor of environmental protection and sustainable practices. In …

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A men cutting vegetables ion a wooden board in a kitchen

© Maksym Povozniuk - stock.adobe.com

New Survey Reveals Over 40% of UK Men Express Interest in Vegan Diet

Today, coinciding with World Vegan Day, The Vegan Society has revealed “encouraging” figures from its latest research showing that 41% of UK males (in the sample group) express an interest in going vegan or have said they are planning to do so. Veganism has gained popularity in the last decade, particularly in the UK; however, only 37% of the UK vegan population are men. Aware of this fact, The Vegan Society has been researching the gender imbalance in vegan and vegetarian populations to understand why men are less likely to adopt a vegan lifestyle.  Young men, traditional masculinity, and health For this new research, the organisation surveyed 1,000 men in the UK, questioning their views on adopting vegan diets and the potential barriers to veganism. The survey shows that from …

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Adfree Cities aims to end meat advertising in the UK

© Lindsey Grime/Adfree Cities

Adfree Cities Calls for Meat Advertising to Be Banned in the UK

Adfree Cities, a network of groups challenging corporate outdoor advertising, is calling for meat advertising to be banned in the UK. The campaigners point out that most animal products are produced through intensive farming, which they say “causes immeasurable suffering and inflicts colossal damage on nature and the climate”. They argue that since tobacco advertising has been banned due to the harm it causes, the same should apply to meat. The Cows Aren’t Laughing To accompany the campaign, Adfree Cities has published a report called The Cows Aren’t Laughing, outlining nine tactics commonly used by advertisers to obscure the realities of meat, dairy, and egg production. They are: Keep it secret — Hide the fact that the vast majority of farmed animals are raised on …

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Lambeth borough endorses the Plant Based Treaty

© Plant Based Treaty

Lambeth Becomes First London Borough to Endorse Global Plant Based Treaty

Lambeth has become the first borough of London, UK, to endorse the global Plant Based Treaty in an attempt to cut food-related emissions. As part of the endorsement, Lambeth Council has pledged to improve access to plant-based foods among residents, with the aim of promoting food security and better health as well as lower emissions. Vulnerable households will receive vouchers to buy fresh local produce, while fruit and vegetable intake will be promoted to children through school activities. The council will also measure its food-related emissions and work to reduce them; this will include lowering the consumption of animal products at council-run events. Businesses that prioritise sustainable agriculture practices and food procurement will be supported, while council communications channels will be used to promote sustainable …

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