Italian foodtech startup Dreamfarm has made a significant leap in the nation's plant-based food industry with a recent injection of €5 million in funding. This substantial investment has been pivotal in establishing an innovative production facility in Sala Baganza, Parma, which is not just a manufacturing site but an innovation hub dedicated to the creation of plant-based cheese alternatives.
The funding round, backed by seasoned entrepreneurs Giampaolo Cagnin and Francesco Mutti, reflects a strong belief in Dreamfarm's potential to disrupt the traditional cheese industry. Cagnin's statement about the opportunity to revolutionize the sector through technological innovation and engaging branding indicates the investors' strategic approach to supporting Dreamfarm.
With this investment, Dreamfarm has launched its first two flagship products: a plant-based mozzarella alternative with a government-certified liquid status and a spreadable variant. These products, which emerged from two years of dedicated research and development, are the result of a patented process that ferments almonds using proprietary cultures. The result is a groundbreaking plant-based mozzarella that not only boasts a Nutriscore A rating but also stands as the world's first and only government-certified liquid alternative to traditional mozzarella.
“Dreamfarm’s alternative to mozzarella is an innovative product with less than 1% saturated fat, making it appealing to consumers increasingly conscious of sustainability and nutritional profiles, but unwilling to compromise on the goodness of a typically Italian product,” says Menozzi. “A dream came true to create a venture like Dreamfarm right here and have entrepreneurs of this caliber as part of our team. The sector is experiencing significant growth, and we are confident that we can make a global impact with the type of products we have and will continue to develop.”
In fact, the market's response to Dreamfarm's products has been overwhelmingly positive. Within the first few months of their release, they have not only delighted consumers but have also garnered attention from the retail and foodservice sectors, as well as media outlets. This response underscores the market's readiness for innovative and sustainable food alternatives.
The vision of Dreamfarm's founders, Maddalena Zanoni and Mattia Sandei, is coming to fruition as they lead the charge in the plant-based revolution. Their commitment to sustainability and health is evident in their products, which are designed to meet the growing consumer demand for food that is both eco-friendly and nutritious.
Dreamfarm's recent achievements are not just a win for the company but signify a broader shift in consumer preferences and the food industry's future. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, Dreamfarm is poised to be at the forefront of the plant-based food sector, driving innovation and offering consumers delicious, sustainable choices.