Dutch company Boermarke, a former dairy producer that now focuses exclusively on plant-based products, has announced the launch of a wide range of plant-based alternatives for food service under its Vairy brand.
Vairy products have proven successful after launching at supermarkets in 24 European countries, and Boermarke has now formed a strategic partnership with Dutch meat alternatives producer Vivera to offer a wide range of savoury and sweet plant-based products for food service. These include meat and cheese alternatives, yogurt, ice cream, custard, and more. Boermarke says the products will help the hospitality, catering, and healthcare sectors make progress towards the protein transition.
Boermarke goes plant-based
After three decades in the dairy industry, Boermarke announced in September 2023 that it would become fully plant-based following an 800% increase in its production of dairy alternatives. The company said it would transfer its conventional dairy operations to another firm and produce 100% plant-based products under the Vairy brand or for private label.
At the time, Boermarke claimed it was one of just three European manufacturers with the capability to produce large volumes of plant-based cheese, adding that its cheese alternatives were available at 80% of Dutch supermarkets and many German retailers.
In May 2024, Boermarke announced the launch of a new range of plant-based cheeses containing 10% protein. The products are made with a fermentation process to replicate conventional cheese, and are available in three flavours — Gouda, Cumin, and Mediterranean. The cheeses launched at selected European retailers last month.
Ongoing protein transition
Boermarke’s strategic partner, Vivera, first entered the Dutch food service market last year with the launch of a meat-free sausage roll into bakery chain Bakker van Maanen. At the time, the company said it was experiencing stable growth, and also announced it had achieved B Corp certification. The news came weeks after Vivera launched three new meat alternatives — spicy drumsticks, schnitzel, and a spinach and vegan cheese fillet.
“As of August 1, 2024, our loyal food service customers will have access to a wide array of plant-based alternatives under our brand Vairy,” said Boermarke on LinkedIn. “This expansion aligns perfectly with the ongoing protein transition in the food industry, where there is a strong push from restaurants, caterers, and healthcare institutions to shift from animal proteins to plant-based proteins.”
