For the first time, the film festival will not use animal dairy products at official events

• With the help of Oatly, Berlinale 2023 catering will be dairy-free at all official festival events 

• Switching to oat drink enables CO₂ savings 

• Actress Lea van Acken speaks of important step for climate protection 

Berlin, 8 February 2023 – From 16 to 26 February 2023, the Berlin International Film Festival will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the German capital for the 73rd time. This time, film enthusiasts can look forward to an innovative change. This year, Oatly - the world’s original and largest oat drink company - is making sure that the Berlinale can show its plant-based side. In 2023, the company supports dairy-free catering at all official events, thus setting an example for sustainability. 

Plant-based coffee specialities with the Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition can be tried at the coffee bar in the Press Centre as well as at a mobile coffee stands. In addition, the catering at all official festival events will include only vegetarian, dairy-free food. At the official Berlinale party, guests will get the opportunity to try Oatly’s plantbased ice cream. 

One third of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the food sector1 - about half of them from livestock farming2. Oatly is convinced that a transformation of the food industry is necessary to stand a chance against the climate crisis. That is why the company repeatedly advocates for a more sustainable, plant-based diet. Mariette Rissenbeek, Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, about the collaboration: 

"Sustainability is a central topic for the Berlinale. Together with our new partner Oatly, we want to set an example and raise awareness of the fact that our eating habits have a massive impact on the climate. The reduction of animal-based foods and a more mindful diet are important building blocks for sustainable action. After offering vegetarian meals for many years, this year the Berlinale is doing without animal dairy products at all official events of the festival.” 

Numerous major events take place in Germany every year. But while the stars show their presence on the red carpet, sustainability often receives little attention. Yet for Helge Weitz, General Manager at Oatly DACH, high-profile events in particular offer plenty of potential for more sustainability. “In order to achieve the climate goals, we need a food system change. By switching to dairy-free catering at the Berlinale, we set an example for more sustainability in everyday life and show how natural a plant-based diet can be integrated. Together, we want to give visitors the opportunity to try out plant-based alternatives and show that sustainable products are both, tasty and better for the health of our planet.” 

Actress Lea van Acken also supports Oatly's commitment to a dairy-free Berlinale. "In the film industry, many different people and nations come together - the perfect prerequisite for setting an example for climate protection. With the dairy-free catering, Oatly and the Berlinale are taking a pioneering step on the path to a sustainable food revolution.” 

Oatly is committed to doing without animal products in numerous areas. With the Berlinale's switch to dairy-free event catering, Oatly motivates people to leave the beaten path. A strong signal for a more sustainable world. 

We are the world’s original and largest oat drink company. For over 25 years, we have exclusively focused on developing expertise around oats: a global power crop with inherent properties suited for sustainability and human health. Our commitment to oats has resulted in core technical advancements that enabled us to unlock the breadth of the dairy portfolio, including alternatives to milks, ice cream, yogurt, cooking creams, spreads and on-the-go drinks. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, the Oatly brand is available in more than 20 countries globally.