Lincolnshire (Jan. 19, 2022) — Saputo Dairy USA (SDUSA), one of the largest manufacturers of cheese and dairy products in the United States, has introduced Vitalite™ dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds for foodservice operators across the United States. A new vegan-certified, dairy-free, cheese alternative, Vitalite™ products offer great taste, texture and melting performance, making them perfect for vegan pizza, pasta, tacos, salads and sandwiches. The launch of the Vitalite™ brand into the U.S. follows the success the brand has enjoyed in the dairy-free category in the United Kingdom since 2003.
“Demand for plant-based foods continues to grow, especially among Gen X, millennials and Gen Z consumers. With almost 50% of the U.S. population claiming to be following a Flexitarian approach to eating, incorporating plant-based offerings on menus is a must,” said David Cherrie, SDUSA Vice President, Marketing and Innovation. (Mintel, 2020)
A social listening study conducted by Saputo in October 2020 indicated that pizza is the most missed food application for consumers that cannot eat dairy cheese, and consumers felt that current vegan cheese offerings don’t deliver on the key attributes they are looking for on a pizza.
Plant-based cheese is becoming mainstream. According to Technomic, 22% of Italian and pizza restaurants in the U.S. now include a plant-based cheese offering on their menu, and research conducted by Grand View Research forecasts that the vegan cheese segment will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% through 2027.
“We’re excited to introduce Vitalite™ products to chefs and help make it easier for them to bring their creations to life while delivering the delicious taste, creamy texture and visual appeal customers have been looking for in a plant-based cheese,” says Chef Nikki Trzeciak, SDUSA Sr. Manager, Research and Development.
Product is available in a convenient 3 x 4.4-pound bag and delivers excellent performance on pizza and when topped with fresh veggies or plant-based meat substitutes, and it’s ideal for other vegan menu items.
Vitalite™ products can now be purchased through major foodservice distributors across the U.S. For more information on the Vitalite™ brand, visit www.saputousafoodservice.com.
About Saputo Dairy USA
Saputo Dairy USA is part of Saputo Inc., one of the top ten dairy processors in the world. Through the Dairy Division (USA), Saputo produces, markets and distributes a vast assortment of cheeses. Furthermore, the Company converts, markets and sells a broad range of specialty cheeses and holds an important portfolio of import licenses for specialty cheeses manufactured abroad. Saputo Dairy USA also produces a variety of dairy and non-dairy extended shelf-life products. Additionally, Saputo produces, markets and distributes in the USA, and on the international market, dairy ingredients. Products are sold under a variety of the Company’s brand names, as well as under customer brand names.
Saputo Dairy USA is among the top mozzarella, string cheese, and domestic blue and goat cheese producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products in this region.
