The shift towards plant-based diets is no longer a passing trend but a defining feature of Europe’s food future. Policymakers, educators, and enterprises are acknowledging now the urgent need to develop resilient options, both to pursue climate commitments and to bolster the resilience of food systems. As the landscape shifts, innovation and responsiveness are led by the small- and medium-sized enterprises.
At the Plant Power Project, we're working to support Europe's food sector in embracing plant-based innovation and sustainability. We provide SMEs with practical tools to build new competences and market-ready products, while VET providers gain quality content to refresh their programmes. Policymakers are also provided with recommendations to support sustainable growth, so that the transition to greener food systems is inclusive and successful.
Recent regulatory developments point to both threats and opportunities for SMEs. In 2025, the European Commission put forward proposals to reserve 29 terms traditionally applied to meat, such as bacon, steak, and ribs, for the marketing of plant-based foods.¹ Comparable restrictions have already been implemented at the national level in France. While intended to protect consumers from confusion, such measures risk stifling innovation and raising compliance costs for smaller firms.
In the meantime, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has initiated novel food approval guidance, which started to apply in February 2025.² The system provides clearer processes for approving the safety of new ingredients such as alternative proteins and precision-fermented products. This move provides SMEs with greater predictability when navigating complex approval processes.
Policy is also going in the right direction. Denmark's Plant-Based Foods Action Plan, launched in 2023 and supported by more than €109 million in firm funding,³ provides an inspiring example for national and European action. Meanwhile, the EU's Plant-Based Food Innovation Partnership is actively trying to accelerate regional change and food production with principles of sustainability, resilience, and circular economy.⁴
Furthermore, academic studies are calling for more adaptive governance, including policy laboratories and regulatory sandboxes. These allow policymakers to experiment with new regimes alongside businesses, reducing risks and speeding up innovation.⁵
For SMEs, the regulatory environment is becoming more complex, but also more strategic. To thrive, companies should:
• Monitor policy development at EU and national level to anticipate changes.
• Fund safety and compliance data to support market entry for new products.
• Engage in industry networks and public consultations to ensure the SME voice is heard.
• Leverage funding and partnerships to build resilience and scale up innovation.
The plant-based sector stands at a fork in the road. Legislations can challenge traditional marketing models but also open up new possibilities for innovation and sustainability. By remaining agile, informed, and engaged, SMEs can not only keep pace but lead the way in shaping Europe's more sustainable food future.
The Plant Power Project remains committed to guiding SMEs, VET providers, and policymakers through this transition. Together, we can ensure that plant-based innovation is not only a driver of business growth but also a pillar of Europe's climate and sustainability ambitions.