Plant-based cheese company Parmela Creamery raises $1.25m

US plant-based cheese maker Parmela Creamery has secured $1.25 million in a seed funding round led by investment vehicle 25Madison.

Parmela will use the funds to strengthen its brand awareness and support ongoing innovation.

Founded in 2014, Parmela said it uses “traditional cheese-making techniques” for its cashew-based cheese products, resulting in “authentic taste and meltability”.

The company offers a range of shreds, slices, sauces, dips, spreads, blocks and a new line of raviolis. Its products are on sale in Publix Super Markets, Whole Foods Markets and Wegman’s stores across the US.

Other investors in the funding round include Gather Ventures and Luke Abbott.

“25Madison and Gather Ventures are a perfect match for Parmela,” said Ry Salomone, co-founder of Parmela.

Parmela sells a range of shreds, slices, sauces, dips, spreads, blocks and a new line of raviolis.

“Their deep knowledge in the food space, serious appreciation for innovative plant-based foods and extensive industry network greatly impressed me. Our vision at Parmela is to honour the heritage of traditional cheese making while supporting a healthier, sustainable future.

“These visionary partners offer the operating experience and deep connections to help deliver on this vision at scale.”

Steven Price, CEO and co-founder of 25Madison, added: “The plant-based foods industry is seeing tremendous growth. Parmela will be a national leader in the plant-based cheese category by continuing to focus on its craft process, superior ingredients and sustainability.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ry, co-founder Laurice and the Parmela team to accelerate their next phase of growth.”