January 15th , 2026

Following the successful launch of plant-based Boursin® in 2025, Babybel® plant-based is arriving in France from January 2026, continuing Bel Group’s strategy to develop plant-based alternatives for its iconic brands.

Designed around new and original flavours, this plant-based option promises even more pleasure, in a fun and practical format.

Diversifying the offer: a key response to evolving consumer expectations

Food consumption habits are changing to reflect new lifestyles. Nearly half of French consumers now identify as flexitarians, (an increase of more than 20 points over the past ten years).
Food companies such as Bel are supporting this shift by developing plant-based options, helping to integrate these practices into everyday life and contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.

Plant-based: a fast-growing and promising market for cheese alternatives

The plant-based market continues to grow and strengthen its position in the fast-moving consumer goods landscape, (with +8% volume growth over the past three years), making it the second fastest-growing segment in total FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods).

Within the cheese category, plant-based alternatives are the most dynamic segment, with +18% volume growth over the past two years in 2024.

Babybel® introduces a new plant-based range

As plant-based eating becomes increasingly part of everyday habits, Babybel® is reinventing its iconic portion in a 100% plant-based version. Still protected by its signature wax coating, now green to differentiate it from the original Babybel® and reflect plant-based codes, this new product has everything it takes to become a go-to option for savoury breaks. It fits within a dynamic market that particularly appeals to consumers under 35.

Two original flavours to appeal to young adults and families

This new plant-based range joins the Mini Babybel® family alongside Raclette, Emmental and Cheddar flavours.

It is available in two versions: Original & Barbecue, a smoky flavour that is among the most popular with consumers.

Babybel® plant-based is a source of calcium and vitamin B12.

Made in Mayenne

The new plant-based range is produced in Évron, where more than 5 million Mini Babybel® cheeses are made every day.

It will be available from January, exclusively at Carrefour, in a 5-portion net (5 × 20 g = 100 g), with a recommended retail price of €2.49.

On this occasion, Émilie Charbonné, Marketing Director at Bel France, commented:

“At Bel, we innovate to meet evolving consumer expectations by building on the strengths of our brands: more plant-based options, with no compromise on pleasure, fun or practicality and always with great taste. Babybel® plant-based has already been a success internationally, and we are delighted to finally meet the expectations of French consumers who have been eagerly awaiting it. This important step reflects Bel Group’s ambition to develop plant-based alternatives for its iconic brands, making everyday food more accessible and inclusive.”

About the Bel Group

The Bel Group is a major player in the cheese, fruit and plant-based snacking segment, which mission is to provide healthier and more sustainable food for all.

Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing® Cow, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some twenty local brands.

Together, these brands enabled the Group to achieve sales of €3.7 billion in 2024. Around 11,000 employees in 60 subsidiaries around the world contribute to the Group's mission. Bel products are manufactured at 30 production sites and distributed in more than 120 countries.

www.groupe-bel.com

Press contact

Havas

Véronique Delfau – 07 86 34 84 95- [email protected]

Eleonora Bianchi – 06 59 92 81 67 - [email protected]