The demand for plant-based cheese is rising fast, fueled by a growing number of Gen Z and millennial consumers choosing vegan options. Vegan cheese has long been a challenge for both consumers and the industry.
For years, options were limited in availability, taste, and texture. That changed after 2021, when even plant-based meat giants started investing in cheese alternatives.
Today, we are seeing a rapid expansion of plant-based cheese offerings, with fermentation-derived products leading the way. With companies racing to deliver cheeses that melt, stretch, and taste like dairy, the line between traditional and plant-based cheese is set to blur even further.
In the first half of 2024, European companies in the plant based field secured nearly €300 million in investments. Fermentation derived products secured more than half of these investments.
With plant-based cheese rapidly evolving, investment and innovation go hand in hand. As companies push the boundaries of taste and texture, securing strong IP protection will be key to turning breakthroughs into lasting market success.