US artisan vegan cheese maker Climax Foods has rebranded to Bettani Farms after securing $6.5 million in funding for its protein-rich plant-based cheeses. The company, which has also appointed a new CEO, is shifting focus from blue cheese to more market-friendly options like mozzarella and feta, utilizing its plant-derived casein ingredient, Caseed, to target the pizza industry.

Bettani's cheeses, which do not contain dairy, nuts, or soy, are made using Caseed, a plant-based protein that mimics the functionality of traditional dairy casein. With a focus on protein-rich offerings, the company aims to address consumer concerns around texture and protein content in vegan cheese, with hopes of expanding its reach in the market and changing perceptions around non-dairy cheese products.