Those Vegan Cowboys (TVC), a Belgian precision fermentation start-up, has partnered with Hochland, a European cheese major, to test its dairy-identical, animal-free casein. Casein is a key component in cheese that makes it stretch and melt. TVC’s casein is produced through precision fermentation, a method that utilizes genetically-modified microbes to produce milk proteins. The partnership builds on TVC’s previous collaborations with other cheese producers, including Dutch cheese maker Westland Cheese. The companies claim that TVC’s casein can stretch better than animal-derived casein and plans to use it in new products. To bring the product to market, TVC needs to obtain regulatory approval, which may take several years. The company expects to file for approval in the US later this year and target the Asian market next. The partnership with Hochland is a significant step towards commercialization and a key milestone in reducing the cost and environmental impact of dairy production.
Vegan dairy company Those Vegan Cowboys partners with Hochland to pioneer a plant-based casein alternative.
