GRUBBY partners with JULIENNE BRUNO to launch meal kit with plant-based burrata

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GRUBBY Partners With JULIENNE BRUNO to Launch Easter Recipe Kit With Award-Winning Plant-Based Burrata

UK plant-based meal kit brand GRUBBY has partnered with artisan vegan cheese producer JULIENNE BRUNO to launch a limited-edition Easter dish. Called Creamy Burrata-Topped Za’atar-Spiced Squash, the recipe contains Burrella, JULIENNE BRUNO’s award-winning plant-based alternative to burrata. Available for delivery from April 17–23, the dish is a celebration of Middle Eastern-inspired flavours. The collaboration marks the first time JULIENNE BRUNO has partnered with a recipe kit provider. The company is one of several plant-based brands to join forces with GRUBBY in recent years, including BOSH!, Redefine Meat, and VFC. “We’ve long admired what Axel and the team at JULIENNE BRUNO are doing — creating plant-based products that aren’t just ‘good for a vegan cheese’, they’re good full stop,” said Martin Holden-White, founder of GRUBBY. “Burrella …

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Miyoko’s Creamery

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Miyoko’s Creamery Builds Out Spreadable Cheese Range With Jalapeño Launch

Miyoko’s Creamery has expanded its range of dairy-free products with the launch of a new Jalapeño Plant Milk Cheese Spread. The product combines organic cultured cashew milk with jalapeño peppers and is made using traditional creamery techniques. The spread joins the company’s existing portfolio of plant-based cheese spreads, which includes Classic Chive, Roadhouse Cheddar, and Sundried Tomato, which were launched in 2023. Each variety is formulated with a short list of ingredients intended to offer a dairy-free alternative that replicates the texture and flavor of conventional cheese spreads. The Jalapeño variant is currently being sold in Nugget Market locations, with broader retail distribution anticipated during the summer. The suggested retail price is $6.99 for an 8-ounce tub. According to the company, the spread is designed …

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Lidl

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Lidl Germany and Proveg Incubator Launch Search for the Next Big Plant-Based Cheese Innovation

The demand for plant-based cheese alternatives is rising fast, with sales in six European countries reaching EUR 194 million in 2023 – an increase of 7% in just one year. Germany leads the charge, boasting the largest market for dairy-free cheese on the continent. Yet, consumers are still craving more: recent surveys show that a quarter of Europeans want greater availability and variety in plant-based cheese. In response, Lidl Germany has teamed up with the ProVeg Incubator to launch an exciting new startup competition. Their mission? To uncover the next groundbreaking plant-based cheese innovation that could hit supermarket shelves under Lidl’s Vemondo brand. The Lidl x ProVeg Cheese Alternative Innovation Competition is open to startups developing both finished products and novel ingredients or technologies that …

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Lidl vemondo cheese

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Lidl Germany and ProVeg Open Doors for Plant-Based Cheese Startups to Join Vemondo Line

Lidl has partnered with the ProVeg Incubator to launch a competition to discover innovative plant-based cheese alternatives, offering a major opportunity for startups to bring their products to a large retail audience. The winning product will be sold in selected Lidl stores across Germany under the retailer’s Vemondo private label, providing exposure to a wide consumer base and the support needed to scale up production. The competition is open to a broad range of applicants, including end products, ingredients, and production technologies that could revolutionize the plant-based cheese sector. Christoph Graf, head of purchasing at Lidl in Germany, explained that Lidl is seeking “extraordinary” products and innovations in categories with the greatest potential for growth. Graf stated, “We are looking for true innovation in categories …

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New Culture

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New Culture’s Animal-Free Mozzarella Sparks $5M in Early Demand from Pizzerias Nationwide

Animal-free dairy company New Culture has secured more than $5 million in early demand for its mozzarella from pizza chefs and restaurant operators across the United States. The company’s product, made using precision fermentation rather than traditional dairy sources, is expected to launch at select pizzerias, starting with Los Angeles-based Pizzeria Mozza. The company has engaged with pizzerias ranging from independent operators to national chains, conducting product tastings and receiving feedback on performance in various pizza-making environments. Chefs have tested the cheese in wood-fired, gas, and electric ovens at temperatures ranging from 550°F to 900°F, reporting consistent results across a variety of pizza styles, including Neapolitan, New York, Detroit, and grandma-style pies. CEO and co-founder Matt Gibson states, “We hear from pizza chefs and operators …

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Symrise to Showcase Vegan Cheese Solutions at CFIA 2025

Symrise, a global supplier of flavors and functional ingredients, will present its latest innovations at the Carrefour des Fournisseurs de l’Industrie Agroalimentaire (CFIA) trade show in Rennes, France, from March 4 to 6, 2025. Among the featured products is its vegan cheese solution, which aims to provide manufacturers with a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional dairy-based ingredients. In addition to product innovations that address current market issues such as animal welfare and resource conservation, the focus is on enjoyment. By participating in the trade fair, Symrise wants to strengthen its market presence in France and establish direct contact with customers. The company’s vegan cheese offering is part of a broader portfolio designed to address industry demands for sustainability and economic efficiency. According to Symrise, …

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Plant-Based Nuggets Made With Aviko Rixona’s Potato Cheezz Named Best Frozen Product at Gulfood

Global potato product supplier Aviko Rixona is celebrating after nuggets made with its unique potato-based cheese alternative were named Best Frozen Product at Gulfood 2025. Called the Tater Cheezz Nugget, the winning product is produced by Aviko Rixona customer ARK34 Ltd. Aviko Rixona has warmly congratulated the company on its success. Gulfood is one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade fairs, and takes place annually in Dubai. The event provides a platform for trends, products, and innovations in the food and beverage industry. Potato Cheezz Aviko Rixona first unveiled its plant-based Potato Cheezz in 2022. The product is claimed to be the first ever cheese alternative made from potatoes, with a similar taste, texture, and appearance to dairy cheese. Uniquely, the plant-based cheese …

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GOAT cheese lifestyle shot, I Am NUT OK

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Cashew Cheese Brand I AM NUT OK Reports 24% Increase in YOY Sales

I AM NUT OK, a UK producer of cashew-based cheese alternatives, has reported a 24% increase in festive year-on-year sales. The rise, which saw the brand’s MinerThreat and NeroMinded cheeses sell out, has been partly attributed to a recent six-figure investment in production capacity and a UK-wide retail listing at Ocado. I AM NUT OK believes that the growth indicates increased demand for less processed cheese alternatives. This year’s Veganuary campaign has also reportedly brought a 39% uplift in I AM NUT OK’s sales compared to 2024. The brand now hopes to create a new cashew cheese category to help move the dairy alternatives sector away from ultra-processed foods. “This year, we expected a significant rise in sales given our partnership with Ocado and have …

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Jay&Joy

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Jay&Joy Doubles Capacity With Acquisition of Les Nouveaux Affineurs and €2M Investment

Jay&Joy, a French company specializing in plant-based cheese alternatives, has announced the acquisition of its competitor, Les Nouveaux Affineurs, alongside a €2 million funding round. The acquisition, supported by a €2 million funding round, expands Jay&Joy’s production capacity and product range in France and across Europe. Since CEO César Augier assumed leadership in 2023, Jay&Joy has revitalized its production processes, reestablished distribution channels, and initiated market expansion both domestically and internationally. The recent acquisition adds a production facility in Ivry-sur-Seine, complementing the existing site in Lacroix-Saint-Ouen, and retains 10 jobs from Les Nouveaux Affineurs. Augier stated, “Our ambition is clear: to offer exceptional plant-based alternatives while preserving our traditional know-how and accelerating our European expansion. This acquisition marks a crucial step in strengthening our leadership …

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Daiya crustbuster pop up

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Daiya Hosts 90s-Themed Pop-Up to Promote Dairy-Free Pizza in NYC

Dairy-free cheese leader Daiya organized a 90s-themed pop-up event last Friday in New York City to promote its dairy-free pizza offerings. Dubbed “Crustbuster,” the event took place at SoHo’s Upside Pizza and attracted more than 500 attendees, including food influencers and local comedians. The event was designed to address what the company has termed “FOMOO” — the “fear of missing out on dairy.” According to Daiya, skepticism about taste remains a primary obstacle for consumers considering dairy-free options. To counter this, the company showcased its revamped pizza line made with the Daiya Oat Cream™ Blend, which it claims replicates the taste and texture of traditional dairy-based pizzas. John Kelly, chief marketing officer at Daiya, explained the purpose of the event, stating, “We’ve worked tirelessly to …

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Stockeld Dreamery PLNT burger

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Stockeld Dreamery Partners with PLNT Burger to Introduce Cultured Cheddar Across 13 Locations

Stockholm-based Stockeld Dreamery has announced a partnership with PLNT Burger, a plant-based burger chain with 13 locations across New York City, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. The collaboration introduces Stockeld’s Cultured Cheddar as the flagship cheese for PLNT Burger’s menu, a deal that has been in development for 18 months. The partnership has been facilitated through Stockeld’s distribution arrangement with Sysco. The move is part of Stockeld Dreamery’s ongoing efforts to establish a stronger presence in the US foodservice sector, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In a LinkedIn post, Sorosh Tavakoli, CEO of Stockeld Dreamery, outlined three key reasons for the collaboration. These include the alignment of both companies’ regional focus, shared emphasis on high-quality food, and PLNT Burger’s recent profitability and …

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Miyoko's x DoubleDave's

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Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella from Miyoko’s Now Available at DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

Miyoko’s Creamery, a producer of plant-based dairy alternatives, has announced a partnership with DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, a regional pizza chain in the US with locations in Texas and Oklahoma. The collaboration introduces Miyoko’s Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella as a dairy-free option for customers to add or substitute on any menu item. DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, known for its menu items such as Peproni Rolls® and Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, views the partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings to include more inclusive options. Marc Asmussen, director of sales, food service at Miyoko’s Creamery, commented on the partnership: “This collaboration marks a significant step in making delicious, sustainable, and accessible dairy-free options available to even more pizza fans. Because we believe that great food should not only taste amazing …

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Whole pizza in close up with New Culture cheese melt

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New Culture Submits Animal-Free Mozzarella Product Label to California Department of Food and Agriculture

Animal-free dairy producer New Culture has submitted the product label and registration for its mozzarella to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It is believed to be the first time a label for a product made with animal-free casein has been submitted to the department for review. Produced using precision fermentation, New Culture’s casein enables animal-free cheeses to melt, stretch, bubble, and brown. Traditional cheesemaking techniques are used to turn the casein into mozzarella, with the addition of ingredients such as water, sunflower oil, coconut oil, salt, sugar, starch, and fortifying minerals. The resulting product is claimed to provide the same taste and texture as mozzarella with a much lower environmental impact. Its nutritional profile is said to be similar to conventional mozzarella, …

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Willicroft team

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Willicroft Announces Closure After Six Years of Operations

Amsterdam-based plant-based cheese company Willicroft has officially announced its closure following difficulties in meeting fundraising targets in 2024. The company, founded in 2018 by Brad Vanstone, created sustainable alternatives to dairy inspired by traditional cheese-making techniques, but ultimately could not achieve the financial viability required to continue operations. In a public statement on Linkedin, Vanstone described the decision to close as a difficult one. “2024 was a tough year for Willicroft. After failing to meet our fundraising goals, we made the difficult decision to sell the company,” he wrote. Reflecting on the company’s trajectory, he acknowledged its contributions to the plant-based sector while also noting the challenges it faced in scaling. Willicroft began as a small operation in Vanstone’s kitchen in Amsterdam, drawing inspiration from …

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Those Vegan Cowboys

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Hochland Group Partners with Those Vegan Cowboys to Develop Animal-Free Cheese Using Microbial Casein

German cheese producer Hochland Group has entered a joint development agreement with Belgian-Dutch company Those Vegan Cowboys to explore the production of animal-free cheese using microbial casein. The collaboration will focus on scaling up the cow-free milk protein for use in semi-hard and hard cheese varieties. Microbial casein, developed through precision fermentation, replicates the functional properties of traditional animal-derived casein, such as melting and stretching, while offering environmental benefits. In a LinkedIn post announcing the partnership, Those Vegan Cowboys stated: “With Hochland’s monumental cheese know-how and market coverage, they are a dream partner to get Margaret’s casein out there, in cheeses available for everyone.” The company claims that the production of microbial casein is resource-efficient, requiring one-fifth of the land and water needed for traditional …

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research cheese stretchiness

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Researchers Study Protein-Fat Interactions to Enhance Plant-Based Cheese Texture and Functionality

Scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario and Canadian Light Source Inc. in Saskatchewan have conducted a study examining how plant-based proteins interact with fat matrices in cheese analogs. Published in Physics of Fluids by AIP Publishing, the research explores strategies to improve the texture, functionality, and nutritional profile of plant-based cheese alternatives. The study focuses on addressing challenges in replicating the sensory properties of traditional dairy cheese, such as creaminess, meltability, and stretchability, which remain key hurdles for plant-based cheese manufacturers. Researchers studied isolates from three plant-based proteins—pea protein, faba bean protein, and lentil protein—to understand their functionality when combined with different fat blends in cheese analogs. The physical properties of the cheese alternatives were analyzed, including melting, stretching, oil loss, and hardness. …

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Misha's acquires dairy-free cheese brand Vertage

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Misha’s Announces Strategic Acquisition of Non-Dairy Cheese Producer Vertage

US plant-based foods company Misha’s has announced the acquisition of non-dairy cheese producer Vertage. The strategic acquisition will see Misha’s expand its product line to shredded and sliced plant-based cheeses through Vertage’s current offerings. Misha’s will also benefit from Vertage’s partnership with vertically integrated fresh produce provider Fresh Del Monte, gaining access to the latter’s comprehensive logistics network. This includes production facilities, advanced technology, and logistics capabilities managed by Fresh Del Monte’s inland logistics arm, Tricont Trucking and Logistics. Misha’s will use Fresh Del Monte’s production capabilities to launch new product lines, while the logistics network will help to streamline Misha’s supply chain and enable expansion into new regions. Shared mission Fresh Del Monte and Vertage first announced their partnership in 2023, saying that their …

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Formo completes Series B funding round

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Formo Secures €35M From European Investment Bank to Scale Animal-Free Cheese & Eggs

German food tech company Formo, which specialises in fermentation processes for the production of animal-free cheese alternatives, has secured a €35 million venture debt loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan is guaranteed by the European Union’s InvestEU program and will enable Formo to further develop and scale its fermentation processes for the production of dairy and egg alternatives. The agreement comes after Formo raised $61 million (€59.43 million) in a Series B funding round in September 2024, and takes the company’s total financing to €135 million. Formo uses two technologies to develop its products — microfermentation and precision fermentation. The former, which involves using microorganisms such as koji fungus to produce taste-neutral proteins, is said to be ideal for the production of …

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JULIENNE BRUNO mozzarella pearl-style vegan cheese

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JULIENNE BRUNO Launches “World’s First” Commercial Mozzarella Pearl-Style Cheese Alternative at Whole Foods UK

Artisan vegan cheese brand JULIENNE BRUNO has announced the launch of a new product inspired by mozzarella pearls at Whole Foods Market UK. Called Mozzafiore Pearls, the cheese alternative is created using traditional cheese-making techniques, using soy instead of dairy. The fermentation process is said to provide the plant-based cheese with a soft and springy texture and a creamy and subtly salty flavour. The Mozzafiore Pearls are free of nuts, gluten, and artificial flavourings. The product is the first launch of JULIENNE BRUNO’s Collection 02, with more additions set to arrive later in the year. It is also the brand’s first hard cheese, and is claimed to be the world’s first commercial mozzarella pearl-style dairy-free product. According to the company, the name Mozzafiore Pearls has …

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Lallemand Specialty Cultures

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Lallemand Specialty Cultures Contributes to Project Revolutionizing Plant-Based Cheese Through Fermentation

Lallemand Specialty Cultures, a unit of Canadian company Lallemand focused on solutions for cheese, fermented meats, and plant-based alternatives, has revealed its role in Bel Group’s Cocagne Project. The project will create fermented and ripened plant-based cheeses to enhance taste and nutrition, improve accessibility in price and distribution, and enable consumers to integrate plant-based foods into their diets without changing their habits. The research will focus on local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly plant-based ingredients. Lallemand Specialty Cultures will contribute its expertise in microbiology and fermentation, combined with extensive experience in developing cultures for the dairy and meat sectors. The company will select specialized cultures that enhance the flavor, texture, and safety of plant-based products, helping to meet the needs of the market and support its …

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