Partnership with V-Label will Boost Nigerian Export Business....

Samuel Mobolaji

ProVeg Nigeria has said, thepartnership with V-Label would help Nigerian export businesses to become morecompetitive in foreign markets where vegan and vegetarian labelling arestandard and expected by consumers.

Speaking on this development, theCountry Director of ProVeg Nigeria, Hakeem Jimo, said the collaboration betweenthe two companies marks an important milestone in promoting plant-based andvegan-friendly products in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, the label provideda rapidly growing market for sustainable and ethical consumption. ‘We arethrilled to join forces with V-Label, a globally respected certification thataligns with our values and goals, Jimo stated.

“We have two goals: First,helping Nigerian export businesses – whether big or small – to becomemore competitive in foreign markets where vegan and vegetarian labelling arestandard and expected by consumers, and second, to inspire healthier and moresustainable choices among consumers in Nigeria,” the ProVeg boss stated.

Exporting foods and other productsis booming with the African diaspora being a huge market. Product awareness isalready high in those markets, with the African-American population, forexample, being the fastest-growing Vegan community in the world.

Also in Nigeria, the growingpopularity of alternative protein products is expected to result in an annualgrowth rate for vegan food options in Nigeria from 2024 to 2031 is over 10.2%,meaning it is a market on the rise.

In a 2023 study, 4% of Nigeriansdescribed themselves as vegan, 17% as vegetarian, and 32% as flexitarian, aclear increase from the previous year. As 35% of African andMiddle-Eastern consumers want to see a vegan-friendly claim on productpackaging, the introduction of V-Label in Nigeria will undoubtedly bewelcomed.

The co-director of V-LabelInternational, Martin Ranninger, stated that, ProVeg’s understanding of thelocal market and passion for plant-based advocacy make them an ideal partnerfor expanding V-Label’s presence on the African continent.

“We are excited to welcome ProVegNigeria into our global network of partners. Their deep understanding of thelocal market and passion for plant-based advocacy make them an ideal partnerfor expanding V-Label’s presence on the African continent. Together, we aim toprovide consumers with transparent and trustworthy options,” Ranninger.

ProVeg Nigeria is pivotal in growingthe plant-based ecosystem in the country and has been actively involved inmovement building and public outreach programs like the corporate healthcampaign, plant-based chef training and fast-food restaurant ranking.