Dreamfarm, a startup from Parma known for fermenting nuts to craft nutritious cheese alternatives, announces the launch of its latest product development; a creamy vegan ricotta that launches next week into Italy’s Esselunga supermarkets, a chain that operates around 180 stores across the traditionally cheese-loving country.
Speaking to vegconomist today, CEO Giovanni Menozzi reveals that the ricotta, crafted from a blend of almonds and cashews, will become available throughout Italy on the 28th of October and is then set to roll out into further EU markets. The new alternative is said to deliver the authentic flavor and creamy texture of ricotta and can be enjoyed independently or used in sweet and savory recipes, “adding a creamy touch and flavor to every dish.”
For the launch, Dreamfarm partnered with two renowned plant-based Milanese venues, Giardì and Essenza Sushi, to create exclusive recipes that showcase the versatility of its plant-based ricotta in the kitchen. The startup will also introduce the plant-based ricotta to international audiences at the upcoming Plant Based World Expo Europe on November 13-14 in London (stand E24).

Plan to increase revenues eightfold
Dreamfarm states that it aims to increase its revenues eightfold compared to 2023 to strengthen its position in the plant-based market; this new development and its introduction mark a milestone in its expansion in Italy. The company is also present in other European markets, where its products are listed in major retail chains across Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
In 2023, the Italian startup secured €5 million in investment to establish and equip its production facility in Sala Baganza with the machinery for its patented fermentation process the foundation for the success of its plant-based cheese.
Describing Dreamfarm’s current portfolio, Menozzi states, “As of today, Dreamfarm produces four products: Mozzarella, Spread, Stracciatella and now Ricotta. In the next weeks, we will launch a new flavour of the spread with herbs and garlic and in the next months we will present more innovations, always in the cheese category.”
In response to why a ricotta cheese, and why now, Menozzi comments, “We decided to launch ricotta as the next product because it is another iconic Italian product in addition to mozzarella and it is very versatile in sweet and savory dishes. We want to offer a product that could help vegans and flexitarians in preparing nice recipes skipping the dairy product. It is a very nice product also when eaten on its own or simply in a salad or pasta.”
The 100-gram package will initially launch at all Esselunga stores throughout Italy as well as into the country’s best 100% vegan stores.
Further information at https://dream-farm.it/