Press

15 years of the "Ohne GenTechnik" seal: Record sales on the anniversary

Compared to 2022, sales of "Ohne GenTechnik" products have thus increased by a further 8.8 percent on the anniversary. The distinctive green, diamond-shaped seal was launched in 2009 by the then Federal Minister of Agriculture Ilse Aigner (CSU). The German Association for Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG) is responsible for assigning and monitoring the seal.

"From zero to over 17 billion in 15 years: 'Ohne GenTechnik' is a real success story! For consumers as well as for producers and retailers. Together with all of them and many others, we want to celebrate this success in 2024," says VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting.

Political process enters decisive phase

"In the 'Ohne GenTechnik' anniversary year, the political process surrounding the EU Commission's plans to restrict transparency and freedom of choice for genetically modified food is also entering the decisive phase. All parties and candidates must show their true colours in the upcoming European elections. One particularly exciting question is how the CSU will position itself in 2024, whose own minister of agriculture launched the label herself 15 years ago," says Alexander Hissting.

"It must be clear to all political leaders that transparency and therefore mandatory labelling for new genetic engineering is essential for their voters. This has already been clearly demonstrated by over 100,000 supporters of an online petition. With 'Ohne Gentechnik' and the organic sector, which is also GMO-free, around 32.5 billion euros in turnover in Germany alone would be acutely threatened by a dilution of the GMO rules."

Largest share of dairy products, strongest growth in eggs

Milk and dairy products accounted for the largest share of the 17.4 billion euros in consumer spending on food showing the "Ohne GenTechnik" seal in 2023 at 11.9 billion euros (68 percent). Poultry meat products accounted for €3.4 billion (20 percent), eggs for €1.5 billion (9 percent) and other products for €0.5 billion (3 percent). At 12.3 percent, the sales increase was highest for eggs compared to the previous year. The figures are based on information provided by the licence holders of the "Ohne GenTechnik" seal plus a flat-rate trade margin and VAT.

"Ohne GenTechnik" anniversary in 2024

VLOG is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the "Ohne GenTechnik" seal in 2024. On 20 June, the expert conference "VLOG .:. Forum" and an exclusive reception will take place in Berlin. VLOG's partner for the seal anniversary is the Berchtesgadener Land dairy, which has been a committed VLOG member and "Ohne GenTechnik" seal user from the very beginning.