Vegetarian Society Registers Vegan and Vegetarian Marks in the EU as Bloc’s Naming Rules Tighten

The Vegetarian Society has successfully registered its Vegetarian Approved and Vegan Approved certification marks in the EU, allowing manufacturers to use these labels consistently across member states. The marks, which have been in use since 1969 and 2017 respectively, have now been protected under EU law. The Society has undergone a redesign process to modernize the logos while maintaining recognition among consumers, with research showing that 75% actively look for the mark on packaging.

The registration comes at a time when EU rules on plant-based product naming are becoming more restrictive, with limitations on terms like beef, chicken, and steak for products containing meat. The Vegetarian Society's certification marks offer a solution for brands to position their vegan products, with the option to use the Vegan Approved mark for targeted markets or the Plant-Based mark for a broader audience. This flexibility allows brands to reassure consumers while complying with evolving regulations.