A New Era in Vegan Cheese Production
The food tech revolution continues to gain momentum, with French startup Standing Ovation announcing that it has raised €12 million ($12 million) in a series A round of funding to develop an animal-free casein for use in cheese. This breakthrough is set to disrupt the vegan cheese market, which was valued at $2.5 billion in 2021.
The Importance of Casein
For those unfamiliar with dairy products, casein is a protein found in cow’s milk that makes up around 80% of its composition. It not only gives milk its white appearance but also plays a crucial role in the nutritional content, smell, and physical functionality of cheese. The lack of casein has been a major limitation for vegan cheese producers, resulting in products that often fall short in terms of taste, texture, and nutrition.
Standing Ovation’s Breakthrough
Founded in 2020 by Frederic Paques, Standing Ovation has developed a precision fermentation process to replicate caseins in a lab setting. This innovative approach allows the company to create dairy substitutes that are free from animal products and lactose, making them an attractive option for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
A Gargantuan Problem
The reliance on animals and dairy products is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Standing Ovation’s technology has the potential to reduce our reliance on these unsustainable practices and help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Investors Backing the Revolution
Eric Archambeau, co-founder of Astanor Ventures, which led Standing Ovation’s investment, stated: "Casein is the holy grail for the production of alternative options that match conventional products in nutrition, taste, and texture. Yet it has remained notoriously difficult to create." Astanor Ventures was joined by other investors, including Peakbridge, Seventure Partners, Big Idea Ventures, Good Startup, and an undisclosed leading player in the food industry.
A $27 Billion Market
The vegan food market is expected to reach $27 billion this year, with investors flocking to support startups that are developing innovative solutions. Companies like Remilk (Israel) and New Culture (San Francisco-based) are also working on animal-free casein alternatives, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable dairy substitutes.
The Path Forward
Standing Ovation’s technology has tremendous potential, but bringing products to market requires significant resources and funding. The company plans to enter its commercialization phase in 2024, with a focus on developing high-quality dairy substitutes that meet consumer expectations.
A New Era for Food Tech
The success of Standing Ovation and other companies working on animal-free casein alternatives marks a significant milestone in the food tech revolution. As investors continue to back these startups, we can expect to see more innovative solutions emerge in the coming years. With $12 million in
