Vegan dairy made in Switzerland
Short Business Description:
Milk production has a major environmental impact. New Roots offers a sustainable alternative by replacing cow’s milk with lupins—protein-rich legumes that naturally enrich the soil and grow efficiently. Using natural biotechnology, lupin milk is produced and can be processed in existing cheese dairies without additional investment. The cheese is traditionally fermented and aged but with 80% lower CO₂ emissions and 6,000 times less water consumption. This innovative approach provides an ethical, healthy, and eco-friendly solution for cheese production.
New Roots is a Swiss company dedicated to developing sustainable, plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products. By combining natural biotechnology with traditional cheese-making methods, the company produces a range of dairy-free cheeses that are crafted from lupins, a locally cultivable legume that offers both nutritional and environmental benefits.
At the core of New Roots’ approach is the use of lupins as a new agricultural raw material in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Lupins enrich the soil with nitrogen, making them a valuable part of crop rotation. Once harvested, the lupins are milled and processed into a milk alternative that can be used in existing dairy infrastructures, meaning local cheesemakers can adopt the method without the need for new equipment or significant investments.
The products are fermented and aged using time-tested techniques, resulting in familiar textures and flavors without animal-based ingredients. This process significantly reduces environmental impact since New Roots’ supply chain uses up to 80% less CO₂ and dramatically less water compared to conventional dairy, in part because it avoids livestock farming altogether.
Beyond its product innovation, New Roots works directly with local farmers to establish a more efficient and regionally integrated supply chain. The company also contributes to reduced reliance on subsidies, antibiotics, and hormones in food production, aligning its mission with both ecological and public health goals.
The business was co-founded and is led by CEO Freddy Hunziker, who brings a practical and forward-looking vision to the company’s development. Under his leadership, New Roots has grown steadily and positioned itself as a pioneer in the emerging market for plant-based dairy alternatives. This sector is expected to see rapid growth in the coming years.
By focusing on resource efficiency, regional collaboration, and high-quality products, New Roots offers a real alternative to traditional dairy that aims to benefit consumers, farmers, and the environment alike.