Strong demand for plant-based foods will raise demand for home grown crops
The EU must vote against restricting the labelling of plant-based foods at the bloc’s upcoming Agrifish Council meeting on 11 December, ProVeg International said today.
The plant-based food sector presents major new opportunities for Europe’s farmers, particularly in pulse, nut, fungi, and legume production.
These crops are also instrumental in achieving the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals, by improving soil fertility, reducing fertilizer use, and enhancing food security.
The European Parliament last month voted to restrict the labelling of plant-based foods such as “sausages”, “burgers” and other meaty names. The proposal was adopted by 355 votes in favour, 247 against and 30 abstentions. A final vote on the matter is expected to take place in December following months of negotiations between the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council.
“Europe is the largest consumer market globally for plant-based meat alternatives. This sector creates high-value markets for crops already grown in Europe, from which EU farmers can benefit hugely” Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg International, said.
“Cultivating crops like legumes also supports better soil health and reduces fertiliser needs, lowering production costs. Given these economic and environmental benefits, policies should promote rather than restrict the sale of plant-based foods,” she said.
“The ingredients that create these foods are critical to farmers, the EU economy, environmental sustainability and rural development,” she added.
Growing market
Europe is the biggest consumer market globally for plant-based alternatives.1
The EU plant-based market grew 21% between 2020–2022, reaching almost €6 billion in sales, according to data available for 13 Member-States.2
Forecasts suggest the global alternative protein market will grow from $108 billion in 2025 to nearly $590 billion by 2035 (CAGR 18.5%).
The German branches of Lidl, Aldi and Burger King are among the commercial giants that have spoken out against the proposed labelling restrictions which they say could have far-reaching consequences for German and EU wide trade exports.
The argument that consumers are confused by “meaty” names is also rejected by many companies. Studies have consistently found that consumers can clearly differentiate between a plant-based burger and an animal-based burger.
ENDS
Footnotes
1. GFI 2024 State of the Industry – Plant-based, https://gfi.org/resource/plant-based-meat-eggs-and-dairy-state-of-the-industry-report
2. GFI, Market insights on European plant-based sales 2020-2022, https://gfieurope.org/market-insights-on-european-plant-based-sales-2020-2022/
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, email Peter Rixon at [email protected].
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
