The UK Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of a dairy association and against plant-based milk manufacturer Oatly over Oatly’s request to register the trademark “Post Milk Generation”.
Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO, ProVeg International, said:
“This verdict is based on the retained and very stringent EU Regulation 1308/2013, which prohibits the use of the word “milk” other than for ‘mammary secretions’. After Brexit, the UK could have chosen to revise or withdraw many outdated EU regulations, such as this one because the market for plant-based alternatives to dairy has been well-established. Consumers in cafes, restaurants and in other food environments have come to expect these plant-based milks in the dairy aisle, or find coconut milk, ‘oat milk’ and other options clearly indicated on menus.
“There are several studies that show that consumers are not being misled by the use of the term “milk” for plant-based milks. Supermarkets have not reported anyone returning plant-based milk saying they were misled so ProVeg does not see the problem with an oat milk manufacturer using “milk” on its cartons.
“There are many reasons we should be supporting plant-based milks, rather than pushing for measures to restrict them. In particular, plant-based milks are part of the solution to the climate crisis, with some of them having a carbon footprint between 63% and 78% smaller than animal-based milk 1, 2.
“In terms of the impact on the market from this ruling, plant-based milk has been a real success story and ProVeg believes it will continue to go from strength to strength.
“On top of this, a report just out from ProVeg has found that plant-based milks have similar, if not better nutrient profiles than their animal-based counterparts.
“The analysis of products from 11 countries found that plant-based milk alternatives contained less total fat and less saturated fat than cow’s milk. Soya milk performed particularly well. In all countries, the majority of plant-based milk alternatives analysed can be considered low in sugar.”
ENDS
Footnotes
- Poore, J. & T. Nemecek (2018): Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science. 360.
- PV_Plant_Milk_Report_281019-1.pdf (proveg.com)
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
Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet. 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.
