What Is New Roots All About?
New Roots is the brainchild of Alice and Freddy, two passionate founders who, back in 2015, decided to toss convention aside and dive headfirst into the world of vegan cheese. Their mission? To make the world a better place—sounds simple, right? Starting out in a cozy chalet kitchen, they began fermenting plant-based milk, learning from cheese masters and perfecting their craft the traditional way. No artificial nonsense, just good, honest cheese that’s kind to animals and the planet. It’s a story about passion, persistence, and a genuine desire to offer something better for everyone.
The Main Benefit: Ethical and Environmental Impact
New Roots isn’t just about tasty vegan cheese; it’s about making a real difference. Here are some key facts that highlight their impact:
- Producing a kilo of New Roots cheese emits 60% less CO2 compared to animal cheese.
- It uses 40% less water than traditional dairy cheese production.
- 1% of total revenue is donated to animal shelters and farmer retraining programs.
- Cashews used are organic and fair trade certified.
- Since 2022, they’ve been experimenting with local Swiss ingredients like lupins and chickpeas.
The Story Behind the Cheese
Who exactly are Alice and Freddy? Well, they’re not just cheese makers—they’re dreamers and doers. Their journey began with a simple yet bold idea: to create vegan cheese that’s both delicious and ethical. Sure, the early days were full of trial and error, but with time, they built a top-notch team and refined their recipes. Their motivation? A deep belief that every living being deserves a life free from exploitation and that the planet deserves a break. It’s not just about food; it’s about values, tradition, and a bit of rebellion against the status quo.
Addressing Animal Rights Head-On
While many shy away from the topic, New Roots tackles animal rights boldly. They believe that avoiding uncomfortable truths won’t help society evolve. For instance, did you know cows must be forcibly impregnated every year to produce milk? And after giving birth, their calves are taken away so humans can use the milk. It’s a harsh reality many don’t want to face. For New Roots, ethics means taking responsibility—hence their donations to animal shelters and programs that help farmers transition away from dairy. Every purchase is a small step toward a kinder world.
Environmental Commitment and Local Innovation
New Roots understands that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. Their cashews are organic and fair trade, and they’re aware that 100% local consumption isn’t always realistic—just think about coffee or chocolate. But they’re making strides to reduce their footprint. For example, Switzerland imports tons of feed for cows, some from the Amazon rainforest, which is a big problem. That’s why New Roots is experimenting with local ingredients like lupins and chickpeas to close the value chain within Switzerland. It’s a process, but progress is progress, right?
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger (through sustainable agriculture)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (promoting healthier food choices)
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ethical Cheese
New Roots is not just resting on its laurels. The team is continuously developing new products with local ingredients, aiming to find long-term solutions to the ethical and ecological challenges posed by the dairy industry. Their vision is to create a closed-loop value chain in Switzerland that benefits animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment alike. It’s a journey that’s as much about innovation as it is about doing what’s right—because sometimes, the best ideas come from a little bit of crazy and a whole lot of heart.
