Lidl becomes first major retailer certified with Plant-Based Trademark
Lidl has made history as the first major retailer to secure the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark for its popular Vemondo Plant! range.
This milestone certification highlights Lidl’s commitment to providing high-quality, plant-based options to its customers while reinforcing its leadership in the growing plant-based food market.
The Vemondo Plant! range, which features plant-based ingredients, vegetable-focused options, and ready meals, will now carry the distinctive Plant-Based Trademark label. This certification guarantees that the products contain no animal ingredients and meet rigorous plant-based criteria, offering consumers a trusted and transparent choice.
Raising the bar for plant-based standards
The Plant-Based Trademark, launched by the Vegetarian Society in 2024, is positioned as the gold standard for plant-based accreditation. It exceeds the proposed ISO definition, giving customers and manufacturers an added layer of confidence through third-party checks and clear labelling.
Vanessa Brown, Head of Trademarks at the Vegetarian Society, said: “It’s fabulous to have Lidl on board with its fantastic Vemondo Plant! range now certified to use the Plant-Based Trademark. Customers are increasingly looking for reassurance from easy-to-read labels, and they’ll soon see this trusted symbol on Lidl products in stores.”
This achievement builds on Lidl’s triple expansion of its plant-based range in 2024, which followed double-digit sales growth. By responding to customer demand for affordable and accessible plant-based products, Lidl has established itself as a major player in this category. The certification aligns with Lidl’s broader strategy to meet evolving customer preferences and provide sustainable, high-quality food options.
Why the trademark matters
Consumers today are seeking products that align with their dietary and ethical values. The Vegetarian Society developed the Plant-Based Trademark after extensive consultation with industry experts, legal review, and consumer research. Products bearing the trademark ensure no animal ingredients and demonstrate key plant-based characteristics, addressing the growing demand for clearer labelling.
Vanessa Brown added: “‘Plant-Based’ is a term that resonates with both customers and manufacturers. Lidl’s adoption of the Plant-Based Trademark shows its dedication to giving shoppers the confidence to make informed, ethical purchases.”
As plant-based diets continue to grow in popularity, Lidl’s certification marks a significant step for the wider retail industry. With the trusted Plant-Based Trademark, Lidl is helping to lead the charge in making plant-based foods more accessible and appealing.
