Plant-based cheese growth doesn't translate to mass affordability

Dreamfarm's plant-based cheese expansion in Europe shows business resilience but remains a niche market with no impact on cheese affordability or scale for mass consumption.

Dreamfarm reported 45% year-on-year revenue growth in the first eight months of 2026, reaching €1.8 million in 2025—up from €130,000 in 2023. The company holds 11% market share in Italy’s plant-based cheese sector as of August 2026, up from 7.4% twelve months prior, with fresh mozzarella and vegan ricotta gaining 43% and 30% distribution, respectively. Operating across Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany through retailers like Esselunga and Coop, Dreamfarm uses almonds and cashews to produce plant-based cheeses rated Nutri-Score A.

This growth reflects targeted flexitarian appeal and strong retail partnerships, not broader market penetration. The company’s 2027 strategy focuses on brand awareness and repeat purchases, aiming for profitability by late 2028. Yet the metrics show no reduction in price or scale for mass consumption—cheese remains expensive and accessible only through specific retail channels.

This is a friction point for abundance: Dreamfarm’s success demonstrates business viability in a niche segment but does not lower costs or increase availability for the general population. The current model relies on premium pricing and limited retail partnerships, meaning plant-based cheese stays out of reach for most. What matters for abundance is whether this model scales to affordable, universal access—something the data does not yet support.

Watch for whether Dreamfarm’s 2028 profitability target enables price reductions or wider retail integration. For now, the growth is confined to a small market segment with no evidence of mass affordability. The source reports only eight months of 2026 data, market share specific to Italy, and revenue figures from 2023–2025—no indication this translates to broader availability.

Source: Green Queen