Veganuary 2025: New Record and a Clear Trend!

More and more people in Germany are giving up animal products in January – with noticeable effects on retail, gastronomy, and meat consumption. What Veganuary Germany has achieved in 2025 and why its impact will only continue to grow.

25 Million People Worldwide Join In

Veganuary 2025 has once again exceeded all expectations: More than 25 million people worldwide adopted a plant-based diet in January – more than ever before. These figures are based on surveys and calculations by the international Veganuary organization. The trend is clear: The global shift toward plant-based eating is gaining momentum.

This year was particularly remarkable as 3 more countries – Canada, Peru, and Malaysia – launched their first national Veganuary campaigns. This brings the total number of officially participating countries to 20. In China, a unique variation called "V-March" will debut this spring, aligning with the Chinese calendar to promote plant-based eating.

Supermarkets and Restaurants Respond to the Trend

It's not just individuals – companies in Germany are also increasingly embracing plant-based products. According to the business magazine Markt & Mittelstand, Veganuary Germany is now seen as an important economic driver in the food industry.

Some highlights from 2025:

– Ferrero introduced vegan versions of "Nutella" and "Hanuta" in Germany for the first time.
– Burger King Germany offered the "King Rib" – a plant-based take on the popular "McRib" – exclusively for Veganuary.
– Backwerk (a German bakery chain) made oat milk the default option in all its German locations.
– Numerous restaurants and corporate cafeterias expanded their menus with vegan options.

Meat Sales Drop Significantly

The impact of Veganuary Germany on the market is evident in new data from the Federal Statistical Office: Meat sales in Germany fell by 12.5% in the first week of January compared to the previous year. This significant decline indicates that plant-based eating is becoming more mainstream. The news magazine Spiegel noted: "Retailers are feeling the effects of consumers’ New Year’s resolutions."

Science Confirms the Benefits

Experts also highlight the advantages of a plant-based diet. Dr. Marco Springmann from the University of Oxford explains: "A plant-based diet helps reduce our carbon footprint, prevent diet-related diseases, and save money."

Veganuary Germany Is Here to Stay

Whether in society, business, or science, Veganuary Germany has become a firmly established tradition. "Every year, we see more people and companies getting involved," says Christopher Hollmann, Head of Veganuary Germany. "And with each year, the impact grows."

For those who missed the campaign in January, it’s never too late to start – Veganuary Germany offers year-round support for anyone looking to explore plant-based eating.