PARIS — Plant-based cheese powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be headed to the market, via a partnership between The Bel Group and Climax Foods, Inc.

The two companies will work together to bring plant-based cheese to the market for brands like Laughing Cow, Kiri, Boursin, Babybel, and Nurishh, core brands of The Bel Group.

Based in Berkeley, Calif., Climax Foods uses AI to match the texture, flavor and nutrient density of plant-based alternatives with their conventional counterparts.

“Food is a key lever to address climate change, and we at Bel have a strong determination to explore new territories and develop innovative solutions that will define the future of food for all,” said Cécile Béliot, chief executive officer of the Bel Group. “The products we will develop in partnership with Climax have the potential to make a big difference: they can meet the three-fold challenge of sustainable, nutritious and accessible. This collaboration epitomizes our co-innovation strategy by combining their distinctive technological data science and AI platforms and expertise with Bel’s pioneering and historical knowledge.”

Climax Foods is able to replicate animal-based products with plant-based versions with the help of artificial intelligence.

“AI and data can be game changers in food in terms of delivering optimal taste and texture while at the same time making it affordable and sustainable,” said Oliver Zahn, PhD, CEO and founder of Climax Foods. “Evolving recipes over time is what we’ve been doing for hundreds of years. In addition to changing consumer preferences, climate change requires us to accelerate the evolution of food. Together with Bel, we can make a significant positive impact so that people and the planet are better off.”

Bel is planning to launch the products in the United States and Europe by the end of 2024.