Quevana opens major cashew cheese factory to meet rising demand

Quevana, the Spain-based producer of fermented plant-based cheeses, has officially opened one of the largest cashew cheese factories in Europe. Located in the rural village of Vallelado, Segovia, the new 2,400m2 facility marks a significant step in the company’s growth and production capacity.

The site, a former meat processing plant closed in 2013, has been transformed into a certified organic and IFS-compliant factory focused exclusively on Quevana’s semi-aged cashew cheese range. The company now has the capacity to produce more than 400,000 units per month.

“This is a historic step in the development of our company and will allow us to keep growing with our existing clients as well as to start working with many new ones which we couldn’t supply before due to production capacity,” commented Alejandro Álvarez Rubio, CEO & Co-founder of Quevana.

The company uses cashew milk in place of dairy to replicate the traditional cheesemaking process, relying on fermentation and aging to create its line of cheeses. Each product contains just three core ingredients – cashews, salt, and probiotics – boasting 16% protein, no cholesterol, and no lactose.

Quevana’s sustainability claims are backed by data showing the cheeses produce up to 60% fewer carbon emissions and eutrophication impacts than dairy cheese, while using 90% less land. In September 2023, the company cut its prices by 50% after scaling up production, reaching parity with conventional cheese and significantly increasing demand.

The new production site enables Quevana to keep pace with that demand while expanding into new markets. The company's cheeses are currently sold in major retailers including Jumbo in the Netherlands, Continente in Portugal, and outlets in Spain and Germany.

The existing product lineup includes six semi-aged varieties: Original, Truffle, Olive Oil & Garlic, Smoked, Paprika, and Provence Herbs. Each cheese is aged between one and two months, designed to deliver traditional flavor and texture for both vegan and non-vegan consumers.

With its new facility fully operational, Quevana aims to make high-quality, plant-based cheeses more accessible to a broader consumer base, while maintaining its focus on health, sustainability, and taste.