Major Dairy Company Invests In Fermented Plant-Based Cheese

The Bel Group, a major dairy company, is investing in a new collaborative research and development project to create authentic, fermented plant-based cheese with minimal processing. Teaming up with probiotic manufacturer Lallemand, agricultural consulting firm Protial, and agro-industrial group Avril, Bel aims to develop fermented and aged plant-based cheese to meet the growing demand for dairy-free options that mimic traditional products. The EUR €9 million “Cocagne Project” is part of Bel’s commitment to offering sustainable food without compromising on nutrition or taste, aligning with the company’s goal to generate 50 percent of its sales from plant-based and fruit-based products by 2050.

With support from the public sector investment bank Bpifrance, the Cocagne Project is expected to take three years to complete as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s carbon neutrality-focused “France 2030” program. Bel Group has also been working on other plant-based products, such as a vegan version of its brand Boursin and vegan Baybel and White Cheddar varieties. Through these innovations, Bel Group aims to redefine the future of food and address climate change by exploring new territories and developing innovative solutions in the food industry.