Plant-Based Meat Labelling Faces Respite in Belgium, But Alt-Milk Taxes Hurt Local Brand

Belgium has decided to halt the establishment of guidelines against plant-based meat labelling due to continued disagreement among stakeholders. While this decision is seen as a respite for plant-based advocates, the country's higher VAT on milk alternatives is hurting the sector, especially impacting a local brand called Tip Toh. The brand faced unexpected excise duties and fines for its pea milk products, forcing it to raise prices and hindering its growth and innovation plans.

Despite the positive development in plant-based meat labelling, Belgium's discriminatory taxes on plant-based milk are a major hurdle for the industry. Many companies, including larger ones like Danone, are calling for a change in the tax system to create a level playing field between dairy and plant-based alternatives. The upcoming elections in Belgium are seen as crucial for determining the future of these policies.