Schuman Cheese and GOOD PLANeT Foods forge joint venture to dominate plant-based cheese market

Schuman Cheese, a fourth-generation leader in specialty dairy, has joined forces with plant-based pioneer GOOD PLANeT Foods in a joint venture set to reshape the dairy-free cheese landscape. Announced on 4 August, the collaboration unites Schuman’s Vevan brand with GOOD PLANeT’s retail business under a newly formed company, GPV Foods, LLC.

The goal: to create the leading manufacturer in the fast-growing plant-based dairy space, offering a powerful combination of craftsmanship, scale, and market reach.

GOOD PLANeT has built a strong retail presence in recent years, with its line of plant-based cheeses available in top grocery chains across the USA. Known for their clean-label ingredients, meltability, and flavor, the brand’s products have resonated with consumers seeking dairy-free alternatives that don’t compromise on performance or taste.

Vevan, meanwhile, has carved out a distinct position in both food-service and retail channels by blending traditional cheesemaking techniques with plant-based innovation. It stands out in the category as the only dairy-free cheese developed by experienced artisan cheesemakers – the same hands behind Schuman Cheese’s award-winning dairy products. Since its launch, Vevan has gained momentum among chefs and retailers alike, praised for its premium quality and versatility.

“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.”

The new venture leverages GOOD PLANeT’s national retail footprint and brand recognition alongside Vevan’s food-service and formulation expertise. The companies say this alignment will generate “powerful channel synergy,” enhancing the group’s ability to meet demand across both consumer and commercial markets.

From an operational standpoint, GPV Foods will benefit from increased production capacity, more efficient distribution, and the ability to invest in next-generation technologies and formulations. The result, the companies say, will be faster response to market shifts and a stronger pipeline of innovation.

David Israel, Founder & CEO of GOOD PLANeT Foods, said the partnership creates a platform with few rivals. “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,” he said.

For Schuman Cheese, the move is the latest in a series of investments into the plant-based space. The company has a dedicated facility for producing plant-based dairy and sees the sector as a key growth driver. While its core business remains in traditional cheese – including a wide range of imported and domestic products – Vevan represents its broader push to meet changing consumer preferences and dietary needs.

Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, Schuman Cheese operates three production facilities in Wisconsin, along with conversion plants in Illinois and New Jersey. GOOD PLANeT, based in Washington state, has rapidly grown its brand presence across the US retail landscape and is widely recognized as one of the key players in the plant-based cheese market.

No financial details of the joint venture were disclosed.