Spanish Foodtech VĂ€cka announces it has launched the only plant-based cheeses made with melon seeds and olive oil, through the application of a âdisruptive world unique fermentation processâ for which the brand has filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Across the brandâs Mözza and Pumpkin lines, fermented almond milk has been replaced by melon seed milk, and coconut oil with extra virgin olive oil, leading to an improvement in the taste of the products and a more sustainable production process.
A âdisruptive innovationâ
The new method will progressively be applied to the Vrie and FilĂ€ varieties, representing what VĂ€cka states is a âdisruptive innovation in the production of vegetable cheesesâ, claiming that it improves water consumption by 99.1%, land use by 98.7% and CO emissions by 91.8%, as well as reducing saturated fats by 73.6% for the Mözza brand.

VĂ€cka claims it is the first plant-based foodtech to implement this innovation: âIn the laboratory, we do constant research and development work to improve both the appearance of the products and the performance of the ingredients used in their production, and on the environmental impact of the production process,â comments CTO Maxime Boniface.
Expansion plans
VĂ€cka was founded in 2021 by Barcelonaâs Ana Luz Sanz and Maxime Boniface as part of the Nest City Lab, an urban sustainability laboratory located in the innovative ecosystem of the [email protected] district.
After being selected as one of last yearâs winners of the Carrefour Plant-Based competition, VĂ€cka has the opportunity to enter the French market, and has further plans to expand into other European markets including Germany. New products and formats will be available from Q2 of this year.

Why melon seeds?
VĂ€cka states that melon seeds offer a high dose of linoleic acid, which has a significant impact on neuronal functioning, strengthening the immune system and reducing cholesterol, acting as a preventative for cardiovascular system disorders.
âWe conducted a Life Cycle Analysis, where we researched various seeds and the melon seeds stood out for their nutritional value and properties in terms of aroma and taste. In addition, we have added ingredients of high nutritional value to the new versions, such as oats and beans, and calcium supplements. The result is a product that, among other properties, guarantees a 3.3 increase in the melted area, giving it greater elasticity and versatility in the preparation of tasty dishesâ, explains Ana Luz Sanz, co-founder and CEO of VĂ€cka, created together with Maxime Boniface, the firmâs CTO.
The products are present in more than 400 points of sale, such as the Ametller, Veritas, Molsa and Herbolario Navarro chains; in local establishments; and in a hundred pizzerias, such as Grosso Napolitano, Pizza Market, Del Poble and Can Pizza, among others.
Source: Vegconomist.com