Food producing giant Unilever has agreed to a new collaboration with the European Vegetarian Union, meaning it will apply the V label on about 500 items, indicating these items are suitable for vegetarians.

Meatless day

Unilever says the collaboration is a step towards the consumer, who eats vegetarian products more often nowadays. According to the company, about 67 % of all Dutch citizens has at least one meatless day a week.

“Even though they might not plan to cut meat entirely, many Europeans (including many in the Netherlands) want to eat less meat for a whole range of reasons: health, ethics, environment or all three", vice-president Pablo Perversi said.

Several of Unilever's items already carry the European Vegetarian Union's label, but the range should expand considerably over the next few months. The goal is to have about 500 items carry the label by the end of next year. The company also wants to inspire more consumers and that is why it will present more vegetarian recipes.