‘Too Difficult to Drive Food System Change’: Dutch Vegan Cheese Startup Willicroft Winds Down After Funding Troubles

Dutch plant-based startup Willicroft, known for its bean-based vegan butter and cheese, has closed down after facing funding difficulties. Despite raising €2M from investors in 2022 and launching a crowdfunding round a year later, the company failed to reach its fundraising goals and made the difficult decision to sell the business. The closure of Willicroft highlights the challenges faced by companies driving positive change in the food industry.

While Willicroft made strides with its butter alternative, the non-dairy cheese category remains a tough space, with consumers perceiving a major taste gap compared to dairy-based options. Financial challenges, along with pressure from the dairy lobby which influences EU policy, have made it challenging for plant-based companies to thrive. Despite the closure of Willicroft, co-founder Brad Vanstone remains determined to confront these challenges in the future to drive positive change in the food system.