Gyvi Gali, the pioneering organization championing dietary change towards plant-based eating in Lithuania, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with V-Label, the world’s foremost vegan and vegetarian trademark. This collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable, animal-friendly, and healthy food options in the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

As the sole organization of its kind in Lithuania, Gyvi Gali has emerged as a beacon of change in the realm of plant-based nutrition. Founded as a non-governmental organization (NGO) just a few years ago, Gyvi Gali is dedicated to making delicious and ethical plant-based food accessible to everyone, thereby encouraging individuals, businesses, and institutions to choose plant-based alternatives as their primary culinary option.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with V-Label, a trusted global symbol of vegan and vegetarian excellence,” says Karolis Jonušas, Sales Manager at Gyvi Gali. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to furthering the plant-based movement in the Baltic states, where we are now able to promote vegan products under the esteemed V-Label. By doing so, we empower consumers to effortlessly make informed, ethical choices when shopping by simply glancing at the packaging.”

V-Label is renowned worldwide for its rigorous certification process, which ensures that products displaying the V-Label logo adhere to strict vegan and vegetarian standards. This partnership enables Gyvi Gali to license vegan products in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, offering consumers a reliable and recognizable marker of ethical and sustainable food choices. “It truly is an extraordinary opportunity for our organization to impactfully contribute to the sustainable future of the food industry and make it possible to offer a more diverse range of plant-based products,” Jonušas adds.

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“Through our partnership with Gyvi Gali, we can help plant-based options become more accessible and trusted in several Baltic countries,” says Martin Ranninger, Director of V-Label International. “We believe that the power of choice lies in the hands of consumers, and this collaboration allows us to guide consumers to choose a healthier, more ethical path for themselves and the planet.”

For more information about Gyvi Gali, please visit gyvigali.lt. They can be reached at lt@v-label.com. If you are interested in becoming licensed with V-Label in Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia, or any other country, you can request more information here.

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V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, announces a new partnership with Bridge2Food, the organizer of the upcoming Summit Asia. Bridge2Food’s Summit Asia is designed to provide in-depth insights into the latest developments and trends in the alternative proteins industry.

“After personally attending the Bridge2Food Summit Europe, we are very happy to support the upcoming Summit Asia. The event is one of the best industry conferences that covers the whole supply chain and offers a very engaging and relevant program,” comments Martin Ranninger, V-Label’s Director. “V-Label is now a proud partner for the upcoming Summit Asia, which makes strategic sense for us as well, due to our expanding presence in Asia with two new partner organizations in the region, namely ProVeg in Malaysia and Vive in Vietnam.”

Bridge2Food’s Summit Asia will allow participants to learn directly from experienced industry professionals and network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for alternative proteins. There, participants will be able to engage with two tracks of presentations to focus on: Consumer & Industry Challenges or Sustainable Processing & Delicious Food Innovation. 

“Our unique global Summits provide an invaluable platform for networking opportunities with the industry’s thought leaders and creators. Together, you will get inspired about the latest trends and innovations within the alternative protein space, including fermentation and cell-based technology. By connecting with the entire value chain, you will be able to share current opportunities and challenges within the sector, such as taste and texture, sustainability, affordability, nutrition, and consumer trends,” said Ella Stephens, Marketing & Communications at Bridge2Food.

To find out more about the Summit Asia, visit the Bridge2Food website.

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, welcomes last week’s announcements from Lidl and Kaufland in Germany. The retailers have announced that their private label products from Vemondo and K-take it veggie brands, both of which are licensed with V-Label, will see a decrease in price. Both retailers will newly sell their products with the same or a lower price than those of animal-based origin. 

“Consumers all over the world want to make kinder choices that are better for their health, the environment, and also the animals. The news from Lidl and Kaufland in Germany is a great step, as price is often a barrier for consumers,” shares Martin Ranninger, Director at V-Label International.

Both private labels Vemondo and K-take it veggie, from Lidl and Kaufland respectively, include vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat and dairy products. Both private labels have portfolios that also increasingly include products from different categories such as baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and ready meals, all of which are proudly marked by V-Label. 

Private labels as key in driving consumer loyalty

In recent years, almost every retailer in Europe has introduced its own private label offering vegan and vegetarian products to consumers. “V-Label is proud to work with the majority of European retailers, who make the shopping experience for millions of consumers easier. This is possible thanks to the transparent and visible labeling that V-Label offers,” comments Martin Ranninger.

McKinsey argues that while the main reason shoppers return to a retailer is its location – whichever is closest to them – other top motivators are value for money and their private brand selection. More than 54% of consumers across 10 EU countries said they regularly go to a store if products under their private label lines are of good quality. Best-practice grocers now actively identify unmet consumer needs and then employ agile product-development processes to meet those needs as quickly as possible, another McKinsey paper shows as the way to leverage the trend. 

“According to FMCG Gurus, 34% of European consumers know V-Label, and that number is higher in specific countries like Spain, Sweden, or Austria, where 40% responded affirmatively. Moreover, consumers do not see V-Label only as a helper when it comes to identifying vegan or vegetarian products,” shares Alejandro Gómez Hombrados, V-Label International’s Consumer Insights Specialist. 

According to the consumer survey, 69% of consumers who are aware of V-Label associate V-Label-marked products with being healthier and 59% more trustworthy. For businesses and brands, these facts can also shed light on what makes 40% of European consumers willing to pay a premium price for a product carrying the V-Label.

Since 2012, Havas’ Brand Predictor Study has provided valuable insights into the world of brands and shows how they are perceived in Switzerland. In total, over 400 brands were examined in this representative study in 2023, whereover 4,500 people were surveyed. V-Label already made it to the top ranks in 2021. In 2023, V-Label is sure to perform  even more strongly: it has improved in all positions and is one of the most dynamic and trendiest brands from the perspective of Swiss consumers.

Vegan is more popular than regional and organic

In the area of dynamics (change in popularity), which is still dominated by the sustainability trend, the focus is shifting from classic designations of origin (Miini Region, BioSuisse, Migros Bio) to plant-based nutrition. V-Label is now in second place here, ahead of planted, Oatly, V-Love, Beyond Meat, beleaf and Karma.

Classic organic and regional labels are also losing momentum, so these will be perceived as less trendy in 2023. However, V-Label was able to improve further in this area and is now in 5th place!

Generation Z loves V-Label

The development in the area of 15 to 26 year olds (Gen Z) is particularly pleasing: V-Label is in first place in the dynamic area (up from 6th place in 2021). Among the trendiest brands, V-Label ranks as the strongest sustainability brand in an outstanding fourth place (ahead of Tesla and On).

This confirms that consumers of today and tomorrow trust V-Label. With more than 25 years of experience in product certification and the commitment of experts in the areas of quality management, food technology, chemistry, cosmetics, and marketing, we are the pioneers of a global movement.

Further information: “Havas Brand Predictor 2023: Sustainable brands are more likeable”, August 31, 2023

The International V-Label Awards, celebrating excellence and positive impact in plant-based products, has seen an overwhelming response in its third edition, with 317 exceptional entries pouring in from around the globe. As the competition heats up, V-Label is excited to invite the public to cast their votes and help determine the winners of the popular Consumers’ Choice Award until September 30th.

The Consumers’ Choice Award is a category that places the power directly in the hands of consumers. “This year, the competition boasts a total of 9 distinct subcategories for the nearly 80 international entries in the Consumers’ Choice category, spanning diverse products such as plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, to confectionery and beverages, and even non-food products like cosmetics and household items,” introduces Nikolett Konkoly, Program Manager of the V-Label Awards. “Each subcategory will have its own winner, offering an exclusive opportunity for brands to showcase the product’s popularity with the special Winner label right on the packaging. The public voting also provides a platform for brands to amplify their presence, build brand awareness, and foster deeper connections with consumers.”

The rise of plant-based products reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethical choices. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, the adoption of plant-based alternatives holds the potential to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote animal welfare.

“It is encouraging to see that more food production companies continue to innovate and introduce more plant-based food options to consumers worldwide,” says Martin Ranninger, Co-Director at V-Label International. “Formerly a niche category, vegan products are now in the mainstream. They are no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for any company that wants to keep up with current consumer demands and run its business sustainably.”

The public voting phase is now officially open and will run from September 1st to September 30th, 2023. During this period, anyone can participate by casting their votes online for one entry per subcategory.

“We believe in the influence of consumer preferences and the role they play in shaping the future of sustainable products. By opening the voting process to the public, we’re empowering consumers to champion the plant-based products they love, and encouraging brands to continually elevate their standards,” says Nikolett Konkoly.

Entries include innovative plant-based products from 30 countries, including Germany, Turkey, and Chile, and provide a glimpse of hope for a cruelty-free, tasty future. All products competing in the Consumers’ Choice proudly carry the V-Label, making them easily recognizable, trustworthy vegan choices for conscientious consumers.

Alongside the public voting, an expert jury panel will be evaluating shortlisted entries in the Sustainability, Innovation, and Marketing and Branding categories. Winners of both the expert-judged categories and the public voting will be publicly announced in November and showcased at Plant Based World Expo Europe, the only 100% plant-based B2B trade fair.

For more information on the V-Label Awards and to cast your vote, please visit https://awards.v-label.com/vote.

About V-Label:

V-Label is the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, with over 50,000 certified products worldwide. V-Label is committed to helping consumers make informed and conscious choices, as well as supporting brands in entering and succeeding in the plant-based industry, while amplifying the stories of those driving the plant-based movement.

Press contact: nikolett.konkoly@v-label.com.

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 fair in Amsterdam,” comments Suzet Miedema, V-Label’s Business Development Manager. “Free From now offers a low-threshold all-in package for V-Label licensees. The collective presentation offers strong exposure, and in doing so, this participation is concentrated within an own V-Label Pavilion at a top location at the fair with an open appearance for perfect visibility.”

Free From Fair is the most wanted European Free From Food retail exhibition, initiated by the industry, and supported by the leading certifying associations, all under one roof. Driving the future of Vegan, Plant-Based, Free From, Organic, Functional, and Healthy Lifestyle Food, Drinks, and Ready to Market Solutions. 

“We are happy to work together with V-Label in order to offer the food producers our platform to present their Vegan and Vegetarian food proposition to our high-profile audience from Retail and Foodservice,” said Chris Gottschalk, Sales & Marketing Director from Expo Business Communications. “Consumer behavior is driving retail even more towards plant based solutions, so with this partnership our contribution is evident.”

During Free From Amsterdam 2023 hundreds of international manufacturers and brands within the food & beverage industry will present their newest product innovations. Relevant products that are ready to be placed on the supermarket and food service shelves, as well as on the menus within the catering & hospitality industry. 

Throughout the Free From Expo & Conference Amsterdam 2023 thousands of food professionals will visit more than three hundred exhibitors within two days. Additionally, more than sixty international and local keynote speakers will answer questions such as: What does the consumer want? What products connect to this and which parties can make these products? 

Companies and brands that are interested in exhibiting with V-Label can simply fill out the registration form by September 1st or contact Suzet Miedema directly for more information.

Press Contact: Tim De Smet, Communications Manager, tim.de.smet@v-label.com