Misha's Expands Dairy-Free Portfolio with Acquisition of Vertage

In a strategic move to enhance its dairy-free offerings, Los Angeles-based Misha's has acquired Vertage, a company known for using mushroom fermentation to produce sliced and shredded cheeses such as Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella. This acquisition aligns with Misha's focus on expanding its portfolio by integrating innovative production techniques.
The deal capitalizes on Vertage's partnership with Fresh Del Monte Produce, which provides widespread distribution and access to a robust logistics infrastructure. This allows Misha's to scale operations more efficiently and diversify its product lineup beyond its popular spreadable nut-based cheeses.
Misha's, which was founded in 2018 by Aaron Bullock and Aaron Miller, has quickly become known for its clean-label cheese spreads. The brand is free from coconut or palm oil, soy, gluten, and nutritional yeast, catering to health-conscious and vegan consumers alike.
Vertage, founded by chef Margaux Riccio, uses traditional cheesemaking techniques coupled with patent-pending fermentation processes to create vegan cheeses. This approach not only addresses the demand for taste and quality but also aligns with sustainability goals.
Tim Wildin, CEO of Vertage, will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Misha's, bringing with him valuable experience as a former brand director at Chipotle. This leadership change is expected to further drive the innovative synergy between the two companies.
While the plant-based cheese market faces challenges, including a recent dip in sales, the acquisition positions Misha's to better meet consumer demand, leveraging Fresh Del Monte's extensive logistics network to expand its geographical reach.
"By assimilating Vertage’s technological advancements and collaborating with Fresh Del Monte, Misha's is poised to redefine the dairy-free cheese sector," said Bullock, emphasizing the company's commitment to quality and deliciousness as it broadens its market appeal beyond existing offerings.