Brooklyn-based vegan cheese company RIND by Dina & Joshua has secured a retail partnership with the upscale supermarket chain Erewhon in California. The launch will feature two of RIND’s 6.5-ounce mini-wheels, Classic Cambleu and Paprika, across Erewhon’s 10 locations starting at the end of this month.
“We’re honored to be included in the impressive array of high-quality products offered at Erewhon”
Founded in 2017 by Dina DiCenso and Joshua Katcher, RIND is a WBENC-certified and LGBTQ-owned brand. The company has garnered multiple Specialty Food Association (SFA) awards for its plant-based cheese, crafted in North America’s “first dedicated vegan cheese cave” in the Brooklyn Army Terminal, New York City.
The brand uses a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients, microbes, and cultures to replicate the complex flavors of traditional cheeses, complete with an edible mold rind.
RIND’s Classic Cambleu combines the characteristics of bleu and camembert cheeses, featuring a bloomy white rind and intense bleu mold veins that create a sharp and rich flavor profile. The Paprika variety incorporates a smoky, oak-fired paprika layer that adds depth to the Cambleu base, giving it a smoky and earthy taste, according to the company.
Overcoming initial barriers
The company first caught Erewhon’s attention in 2019 but was unable to meet the demands of the niche grocer at that time. Co-founder Dina DiCenso explained, “We were too small at the time to take them on as a vendor. Fast-forward to 2024, and we’ve grown so much that the time has come! We’re excited to finally announce our launch at Erewhon.”
RIND has been recognized for its innovation in the plant-based cheese market, being the first vegan cheese brand featured in Whole Foods Market’s artisanal dairy cheese cases in New York City. RIND products are also available through Harry & David and in over 60 stores and restaurants across North America. They can also be purchased online through WebstaurantStore and Vegan Supply.
Additional product lines
In addition to aged cheeses, RIND produces vegan cheese spreads and introduced the “world’s first carrot-based cheese slices” in 2022, which won a sofi™ Best New Product award. In 2023, the company expanded its Veggie Underground line, adding parsnip and red bell pepper varieties.
Joshua Katcher, co-founder of RIND, stated, “We look forward to Erewhon customers having the chance to experience how good plant-based cheeses can be. We’re particularly proud of our aged cheese, and we’re honored to be included in the impressive array of high-quality products offered at Erewhon.”
