To achieve our nutritional goals, we are working on several fronts: in our product range, within the supply chain, in promoting innovation, and through dialogue with policymakers.
Our protein strategy is based on four strategic pillars: we optimise our product ranges by “plant-based alternatives” in recipes and ingredients where it makes sense to do so – with a focus on taste and variety. At the same time, we support innovation, promote informed dietary choices through clear labelling and targeted offerings, and advocate for a national protein plan and a standardised measurement methodology across the industry. Below, we categorise the measures under these pillars:
We optimise our product ranges
We use the Planetary Health Diet as a guide and are gradually increasing the share of plant-based products in the REWE and PENNY stores in Germany and at BILLA in Austria. We are also looking into switching to plant-based ingredients wherever possible without compromising on quality or flavour:
As part of our commitment to nutrition, we regularly review and revise the nutritional values of relevant private label recipes. This also applies to the REWE Group in Austria.
We support innovation
We work with FoodTech start-ups such as Planet A Foods and Project Eaden (see Successes) to further develop innovative ingredients, protein sources and production methods with a long-term perspective, and to gradually put them into practice. The aim is to build a strong, forward-looking FoodTech ecosystem. For example, we are currently supporting Infinite Roots as a FoodTech partner in the field of alternative protein solutions, including through our collaboration on mycelium-based product concepts.
We promote informed dietary choices
Through labelling (e. g. V-Label), special offers and product information, we help to promote access to more sustainable food choices. In addition, we focus on campaigns and recipe ideas.
We are calling for a national protein plan
We are campaigning for a national protein strategy comprising six key elements: simplified authorisation of innovative products; support for research and start-ups; real-world laboratories; fair VAT rates for plant-based products; strengthening domestic production of plant-based proteins; and science-based decision-making.
In the summer of 2025, we at REWE, together with the manufacturers vly, Berief and Oatly, launched a petition calling on the German Bundestag to apply the reduced VAT rate of 7 per cent to plant-based drinks made from oats, peas, soya, etc.
Through projects and partnerships, we support the further development of plant-based food options. At the same time, we combine our product range strategy with the promotion of innovation and policy initiatives.
We optimise our product ranges
We are constantly further developing our private label vegan product ranges.
In 2025, we calculated the split between plant-based and animal-based volumes in tonnes across our entire food range (excluding drinks) for the first time, using the WWF method (as at October 2024),3 with the result that plant-based sources accounted for 54 per cent in 2024.
For the year 2025, we have applied the updated WWF method (as at 02/2026)3. The food range is divided into whole products (e.g. meat, milk, vegetables) and composite products (frozen pizzas, wraps, bowls), and is then broken down by food group: Food Group 1 comprises protein sources,4 while Food Group 2 comprises dairy products and alternatives. To ensure that the figures remain comparable, the Food Group shares are shown for whole products, as the allocation is unambiguous in this case.
In 2025, we further expanded our commitment to plant-based nutrition and social responsibility, and received several awards for our vegan products: Two products were recognised at the V Label Award 2025: PENNY’s FOOD FOR FUTURE – vegan slices in the “Vegan Sweets and Snacks” category, and REWE Bio Spätzle (egg-free) in the “Vegan Ready-Meal and Deep-Frozen Products” category. Furthermore, REWE was honoured with the PETA Vegan Award 2026 in the Food category for “Best Vegan Variety”.
We support Innovation
We are investing in FoodTech (see also Measures). In partnership with Planet A Foods, we have been able to introduce ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative, into selected private label products. It tastes like chocolate, but is made from oats and sunflower seeds.
We promote informed dietary choices
We have introduced Nutri-Score for all private label products subject to labelling requirements in Germany5 – for better consumer orientation and more conscious nutrition.
We are calling for a national protein plan
We are committed to a national protein plan and are involved in developing an industry standard for the collection of protein split data.