Bel Group, a global leader in the dairy industry known for household brands such as Babybel, Boursin, and The Laughing Cow, has announced an investment in developing fermented plant-based cheese alternatives. This move reflects the company’s interest in diversifying its product offerings amid growing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives.

The initiative, named the Cocagne Project, is a collaboration among Bel Group, Bpifrance (France’s public investment bank), and the French dairy cooperative Vendôme. The project focuses on using fermentation to develop plant-based cheese alternatives, aiming to improve their flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. With a budget of €9 million and set for completion over three years, the Cocagne Project has received support from Bpifrance under President Emmanuel Macron’s “France 2030” program, which targets carbon neutrality.

Fermentation, a key process in traditional cheese-making, is being adapted for plant-based ingredients to replicate the textures and flavors of dairy cheese. The research and development team is experimenting with various plant-based proteins, including legumes, nuts, and seeds, to create viable alternatives.

The global plant-based cheese market is expected to reach $7 billion by 2030, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and environmental concerns. Traditional dairy production has been criticized for its environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. In response, companies like Bel Group are diversifying their portfolios to include more sustainable options.

Bel, one of the oldest and largest cheese producers in the world, established in 1865, reported €1.8 billion in sales in the first six months of 2024, a 2.3% increase from the previous year. This level of production contributes significantly to the company’s climate footprint, prompting it to commit to reducing its emissions by 25% by 2035. As part of this effort, Bel aims to make half its product portfolio plant-based by the end of the decade, alongside enhancing sustainable dairy practices and operations.

In 2020, Bel declared its intention to introduce vegan cheese alternatives across its main brands. To date, it has launched non-dairy options for Babybel, Boursin, The Laughing Cow, and Nurishh in various markets. Although these vegan products currently represent only a minor portion of Bel’s overall cheese sales, the company is aiming for these plant-based and fruit-based alternatives to account for 50% of its total sales by 2050.

Last year, Bel Group began collaborating with AI startup Climax Foods to create plant-based cheeses that are indistinguishable from dairy products.

“Food is a key lever to address climate change, and we, at Bel, have a strong determination to explore new territories and develop innovative solutions that will define the future of food, for all,” said Antoine Fievet, Chairman and CEO of Bel Group, at the time.

“Our ambition to balance our portfolio with 50% dairy and 50% plant-based products by 2030 reflects our dedication to addressing both consumer demand and environmental responsibility,” said a company spokesperson. “To achieve this, we are developing fruit- and plant-based products, diversifying our sources of protein, investing in cutting-edge fermentation technologies, and forming strategic partnerships with innovators such as Standing Ovation and Superbrewed.”