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 research partnerships on alternative proteins with French startup Standing Ovation and the American startup Superbrewed Food, Bel explains that it’s taking this new decisive step because it continues to look for innovative strategies to provide 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.
In the U.S. market, under its Nurishh brand, Bell will offer delicious animal-free, cream cheese spread alternatives in three flavors: Original (plain), Strawberry, and Chive & Onion.
Perfect Day, a leading food technology company, 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. 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, the companies state.
A life cycle assessment (LCA)[1] revealed that the Perfect Day’s animal-free protein reduces blue water consumption by up to 99%, 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, expressed that the announcement marked a significant step in the company’s goal to educate more consumers on what their innovative proteins can offer. “The partnership of a leading group like Bel, with its unique cheese expertise, allows us to accelerate our kinder, greener impact,” Pandya says. “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.”
