Group begins certification for agro commodities

V-Label, an international vegetarian consumer label in collaboration with ProVeg Nigeria, has begun the certification of vegan/plant-based products in Nigeria.

The group said this in a statement signed by the Country Director of ProVeg Nigeria, Mr Hakeem Jimo, on Monday in Lagos state.

Vegan and plant-based products are agro products that do not have any animal products or inputs in their formulation or production

The globally recognised vegan and vegetarian label, recently announced its new partnership with ProVeg Nigeria, the Nigerian office of global NGO ProVeg International.

Jimo said the collaboration for certification of vegan/plant-based diets was paramount in a bid to provide healthier eating options for Nigerians.

He described the collaboration as an important milestone in promoting plant-based and vegan-friendly products in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, a rapidly growing market for sustainable and ethical consumption.

Jimo noted that consumers in Nigeria were looking for healthier food options following this global trend.

“Dietary habits in Nigeria have changed considerably in past years, with a growing proportion of consumers following a diet around the avoidance or moderation of animal-based products.

“With the rising demand for plant-based foods and products in Nigeria, the collaboration between V-Label and ProVeg Nigeria is designed to foster consumer trust and transparency and offer companies a competitive edge in the vegan and vegetarian market.

“We are thrilled to join forces with V-Label, a globally respected certification that aligns with our values and goals,” Jimo said.

He said the collaboration would help Nigerian export businesses – whether big or small – to become more competitive in foreign markets where vegan and vegetarian labelling are standard and expected by consumers.

Jimo added that it would inspire healthier and more sustainable choices among consumers in Nigeria.

“Exporting foods and other products is booming with the African diaspora being a huge market.

“Product awareness is already high in those markets with the African-American population for example being the fastest-growing Vegan community in the world.

“The growing popularity of alternative protein products is expected to result in an annual growth rate for vegan food options in Nigeria from 2024 to 2031 is over 10.2 per cent, meaning it is a market on the rise.

“In a 2023 study, four per cent of Nigerians described themselves as vegan, 17 per cent as vegetarian, and 32 per cent as flexitarian, a clear increase from the previous year,” he said.

Mr Martin Ranninger, Co-Director of V-Label International, described the collaboration as a welcome development.

“We are excited to welcome ProVeg Nigeria into our global network of partners.

“Their deep understanding of the local market and passion for plant-based advocacy make them an ideal partner for expanding V-Label’s presence on the African continent.
“Together, we aim to provide consumers with transparent and trustworthy options,” Ranninger said.

The V-Label is an internationally recognised, registered seal for labelling vegan and vegetarian products and services established in Switzerland in 1996.

It is a reliable, go-to shopping guide for consumers.

ProVeg Nigeria is pivotal in growing the plant-based ecosystem in the country and has been actively involved in movement building and public outreach programmes such as the corporate health campaign, plant-based chef training and fast-food restaurant ranking.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi