Balanced nutrition

Our position on plant-based / vegan

Why we care

Consumer’s attention to balanced nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability is increasing. As a consequence, there is a general shift towards more plant-based eating patterns. It is another way for Vandemoortele to help people make nutritious choices.

Need for legislation

Consumer’s attention to balanced nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability is increasing. As a consequence, there is a general shift towards more plant-based eating patterns. Vandemoortele already offers many plant-based products, like our fat spreads, cooking oils, margarines our large bread portfolio. Where we use animal ingredients, we try to replace them by plant-based alternatives. With consumers’ demands evolving rapidly, we commit to adding more plant-based products to our portfolio in our new Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025. It’s a way for Vandemoortele to meet todays and future customer and consumer demands. We want to help consumers make nutritious and sustainable food choices.

Our current claims for “vegan” and “vegetarian” products are based on the definition of the European Vegetarian Union (EVU). To date, there no legally binding definition of the terms "vegans" and "vegetarian" neither at EU nor at member states level.

The Vandemoortele positions: vegetarian

Based upon EVU definition & ISO 23662:2021

These products contain no ingredients, additives, flavourings or any other substance of animal origin. 

Exceptions are made for milk, birds’ eggs, beeswax, honey and propolis​ (a glue-like substance taken from beehives). ​

The Vandemoortele positions: Vegan

Based upon EVU definition & ISO 23662:2021

These products contain no ingredients, additives, flavourings or any other substances of animal origin. 

The Vandemoortele positions: Plant-based

Based upon PAS 224-2020 Guideline

These products contain characterizing ingredients from plants and no ingredients of animal origin.  ​

In addition, we prevent cross contamination with other products by implementing Good Manufacturing Practices.

Our Vandemoortele position papers

As a responsible player in the food market, we’re committed to deliver the best possible products that take into account consumers’ individual desires, needs and requirements, as well as the latest insights regarding to food, health and nutrition.

That’s why we have created position papers, in which we present our opinion about key issues of concern in our sector.

Discover our position papers here