‘Cash-ew Cheese’: France’s Jay&Joy Raises $2.3M to Boost Scale-Up & European Expansion

French dairy-free cheese startup Jay&Joy has raised €2M ($2.3M) in funding to expand its presence across the UK and Europe. The company, known for its plant-based cheese made from cashews, successfully recovered from financial challenges and acquired rival vegan cheesemaker Les Nouveaux Affineurs in 2023. This latest investment will support the expansion of both brands through increased awareness, enhanced manufacturing facilities, and a strengthened field sales team, with the goal of producing more than three million plant-based cheeses annually by 2027.

Jay&Joy is at the forefront of a plant-based cheese renaissance in Europe, with its products already available in 10 countries across the continent. Les Nouveaux Affineurs, the brand acquired by Jay&Joy, has quickly gained traction in French supermarkets and is looking to aggressively expand its distribution points by the end of 2026. The investment reflects the growing demand for artisanal plant-based alternatives that closely resemble traditional cheese, with startups in Europe experiencing significant revenue growth and successful expansion efforts.