One in 10 New Products in Germany Is Vegan

According to a new report compiled by data analyst firm Mintel, one in every 10 new products released in Germany bears a vegan label. Moreover, the rate at which companies in the country are releasing vegan products is outpacing the development of vegetarian products—which account for six percent of new product launches. However, both vegan and vegetarian labels have grown immensely from their respective three percent market share in just two years. When compared to the rest of Europe, Germany accounts for 36 percent of all new vegan food and drink products, with the United Kingdom in second at 21 percent, and France and Italy following at seven and four percent, respectively. In addition, Germans are increasing their production of vegan meat alternatives (up 44 percent since 2011) while eliminating additives and preservatives. “The range of vegan meat alternatives is growing significantly, providing meat replacements in all shapes, sizes and flavors—from deli slices, meatballs, and mince meat to game, poultry, bacon, and sausages,” Mintel Senior Food & Drink Analyst Katya Witham said. Germany’s interest in veganism was recently seen during the opening of Dandy Diner—where police had to temporarily close the new vegan eatery due to massive crowds waiting on opening day.