Bel innovates and launches its first range of cheese alternatives containing animal-free dairy proteins, in partnership with Perfect Day
As of January 1, 2023, the Bel Group will market “Nurishh Incredible Dairy”, its first range of cheese alternatives containing animal-free dairy proteins, made through precision fermentation, in the American market thanks to its partnership with the global, California-based precision fermentation leader Perfect Day.
After announcing this year research partnerships on alternative proteins with the French start-up Standing Ovation and the American start-up Superbrewed Food, Bel is taking a new decisive step with the first product launch in market from its innovative strategy for a healthy, responsible, and accessible food of the future.
Alongside pioneering players, Bel intends to accelerate the development and marketing of products incorporating alternative proteins, to contribute to a new food model to feed 10 billion people by 2050 while limiting the environmental impact of its value chain.
Thus, as of January 1, 2023, Bel will offer on the U.S. market, under its Nurishh brand, innovative and delicious alternatives to cream cheese spreads: “Nurishh Incredible Dairy: Animal-Free, Cream Cheese Spread Alternatives”. This range will be available in 3 flavors: “Original” (plain), “Strawberry”, and “Chive & Onion”.
Perfect Day is a leading food technology company that produces and markets animal-free milk proteins. Perfectly identical to the whey protein found in cow’s milk, they are obtained through a precision fermentation process. They contain all the essential amino acids, which gives them excellent nutritional qualities. These proteins offer the benefits of plant-based alternatives to cheese, with the taste and creaminess of dairy cheeses, while limiting the environmental impact, creating a truly no compromise option for consumers.
A life cycle assessment (LCA) [1] revealed that the Perfect Day’s animal-free protein reduces blue water consumption by up to 99%,[2] greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97% and non-renewable energy use by up to 60%, compared to the total protein in milk.
Cécile Béliot, CEO of the Bel Group, said: “At Bel, we are determined to conquer new territories, to create the innovations that will shape the food of tomorrow for the benefit of our consumers. This is our role and our responsibility as a major player in the food industry. I am personally convinced that, to meet the triple challenge of more sustainable, healthy, and accessible food for all, innovation and bringing together talents are key. This partnership with Perfect Day is the perfect embodiment of our co-innovation approach: the meeting of Perfect Day’s unique technology and Bel’s historic and pioneering know-how.”
Ryan Pandya, CEO and co-founder of Perfect Day, said: “This announcement marks a significant step in our goal of bringing more and more consumers the full measure of what our innovative protein can offer them. The partnership of a leading group like Bel, with its unique cheese expertise, allows us to accelerate our kinder, greener impact. Consumers across the United States will soon be able to enjoy an excellent animal-free cheese, one of the first inspirations for us at Perfect Day as we set out on this journey, and make a choice for the future of our planet.”
[1] ISO-compliant analysis verified by an independent third party.
[2] The blue water consumption represents the direct consumption of surface water or groundwater.
