Schuman Cheese, a fourth‑generation specialty cheese company, recently announced a joint venture with GOOD PLANeT Foods, GPV Foods, bringing together two category leaders to create a major manufacturer in plant-based dairy.
The partnership unites Schuman’s Vevan dairy‑free cheese brand and GOOD PLANeT’s retail business under one entity with the scale, reach, and expertise to meet demand for dairy‑free cheese. Sales figures for Vevan were not available.
Schuman Cheese said GOOD PLANeT Foods has built a strong reputation at retail with placement in top grocers nationwide, offering flavorful plant‑based cheeses known for clean ingredients and superior melt. Schuman said its Vevan brand is the only dairy‑free cheese crafted by true artisan cheesemakers. The company said Vevan has established itself as a leader in both retail and foodservice.
By combining GOOD PLANeT’s retail presence with Vevan’s foodservice and ingredient expertise, the companies believe the joint venture creates enhanced production capacity and streamlined distribution. The new entity will be able to respond faster to market needs, broaden its reach, and invest in innovative technologies.
The plant-based dairy industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food choices and concerns over lactose intolerance and dairy allergies. Global plant-based dairy was $13.2 billion in 2023, according to Statista, and is forecast to reach $28.2 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2024 to 2032. Plant-based milk dominates the category with 90% of retail sales, and yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and butter are gaining traction among consumers.
“This partnership strengthens our manufacturing capabilities, expands our plant‑based portfolio, and positions us for rapid growth in a category we strongly believe in,” said Keith Schuman, plant‑based business unit lead at Schuman Cheese. “Together, we can scale faster, serve our customers better, and set a new standard for what plant‑based cheese can deliver.”
David Israel, founder & CEO of GOOD PLANeT Foods, agreed: “Pairing our retail leadership with Vevan’s foodservice strength creates a truly unmatched platform. This venture allows us to reach more consumers, deliver superior innovation, and accelerate growth in a way that benefits the entire category.”
Founded in 1945, Schuman Cheese is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned specialty cheese leader based in Fairfield, with three production facilities in Wisconsin and conversion facilities in Illinois and New Jersey, including one plant dedicated solely to producing plant-based dairy.
GOOD PLANeT Foods, started in Bellevue, Wash., produces allergen‑free, plant‑based cheese, available in more than 1,200 retail locations nationwide.
