#United States #Berkeley #Bettani Farms #Sandeep Patel #Caseed

Bettani Farms Announces Rebranding and Strategic Changes

Bettani Farms, formerly known as Climax Foods, has made waves in the food technology industry with an exciting rebrand, fresh leadership, and significant funding to further its innovative cheese alternatives. The newly appointed CEO and Chairman, Sandeep Patel, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including serving as CFO at Califia Farms and President of PopSockets. This strategic shift aims to position Bettani Farms at the forefront of the dairy-free cheese market.

A Transformative Profile for the Future of Cheese

At the heart of this transformation is Bettani's proprietary ingredient, Caseed™, which powers the company’s diverse range of protein-rich, non-GMO, dairy-free cheeses. Unlike traditional cheese alternatives, Bettani’s products are designed to mimic the texture and functionality of dairy casein without allergens, making them suitable for a broader audience. This innovative approach includes offerings such as mozzarella, feta, and even cream cheese, all leveraging the unique properties of Caseed™.

Patel states, “Bettani is poised to do for pizza what oat milk has done for coffee.” As consumer preferences shift towards high-protein and allergen-free foods, Bettani Farms' unique products offer a compelling alternative that addresses current market gaps.

Substantial Funding to Fuel Growth

To accelerate its vision and product development, Bettani Farms has successfully closed a $6.5 million initial investment round, led by S2G Investments. This multi-stage investment firm specializes in scaling solutions in food and agriculture, reinforcing Bettani's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The funding will play a crucial role in launching and scaling Bettani's cheese alternatives, which promise to deliver 12 to 20 grams of protein per 100 grams, setting a new standard for dairy-free options in the market.

A Strong Team for a Bold Strategy

Bettani has strengthened its team with seasoned professionals from various sectors within the plant-based food industry. New hires, including Rajiv Dave (formerly of Califia Farms and Nestlé) as the Senior Vice President of Research and Development, will further cement the company’s dedication to product excellence and innovation.

Trends and Market Demand

The timing of this rebranding comes at a pivotal moment in the food industry, as consumer trends indicate an increased emphasis on foods that are not only healthier but also more sustainable. A recent survey reported that 71% of American adults are actively looking to increase their protein intake, aligning perfectly with Bettani Farms' offerings. Furthermore, data unveils that plant-based options, particularly oat milk, are seeing significant traction in the market.

Despite the growth of the dairy-free segment, many existing alternatives struggle with texture and flavor, often falling short of consumer expectations. Bettani aims to change this narrative by creating products that not only taste great but also provide the desired culinary performance—properties that are essential for pizza and other hot dishes.