BRAND STORY
Simply delicious cheese alternatives
Interview with Chiara Broeker from Simply V
„Cheese was the hardest thing to give up when I decided to go plant-based“ – this is something we often hear from existing vegans and those interested in changing their diet. And maybe you felt the same way? Sure, we all know and love cheese, and it’s used almost everywhere in the kitchen – on pizza and pasta, in meals and snacks, with burgers, in gratins and much more. But word has got around that there are now great alternatives. Simply V has, for example, lots of delicious cheesy, purely vegan options on offer. In an interview with Simply V’s marketing manager, Chiara Broeker, we learn more about what’s behind their cheese alternatives and how versatile the products can be in your vegan kitchen.
VELIVERY: Simply V has been synonymous with cheese alternatives for a good ten years now. And the brand is well established in the cheese alternative sector. They were already the market leader in the segment back in 2016. And it all started in Bavaria’s tranquil Allgäu region with a bit of mischievous fun by E.V.A. GmbH. Can you tell us a little bit about that? Who are the people behind Simply V? And what were the reasons for setting up the company?
Don’t give up the taste of cheese
CHIARA BROEKER: Back in 2014, when we were researching new trends and products, we noticed that plant-based diets were gaining momentum. This is because many consumers want to eat a plant-based diet, either in part or as a whole, but still want to enjoy the taste of cheese. And so, with a small team in the Allgäu, we began to rethink cheese production and play around with plant-based cheese alternatives. The motivation for founding Simply V was simply the desire to create plant-based alternatives that would be convincing in terms of quality, contribute to climate protection and make it „simple” and easy for consumers to consider plant-based cheese alternatives – a goal that Simply V is still pursuing today.
VELIVERY: How long have you been with Simply V and what brought you to the company?
CHIARA BROEKER: With by now over a decade of experience in marketing, category and product management, I’ve basically seen and done it all. My journey initially took me from Holland to Sweden, where I completed my Master’s in Management Administration and Marketing. Now my aim is to help shape the future and make a lasting impact, and at Simply V, to bring a breath of fresh air and new and creative ideas into play.
Expertise in traditional cheese-making
VELIVERY: How important is it that, right from the start, many of the employees came from the traditional cheese trade?
CHIARA BROEKER: The background of many employees in traditional cheesemaking plays a key role at Simply V. Their expertise and experience enable them to contribute their artisanal know-how to the development of our cheese alternatives. This in turn allows us to create products that meet high standards in terms of texture and taste, and to constantly optimise them.
VELIVERY: What range of alternative cheese products do you now offer and where can they be used?
Cheese flavours to your heart’s content – for pizza, pasta, bread toppings and more
CHIARA BROEKER: Simply V offers a wide range of plant-based cheese alternatives, including cream cheese, grated cheese, sliced cheese, grilled cheese, mozzarella and feta alternatives, bringing colour to the fridge and flavour to the table. In addition, our products are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as regular cheese – from classic hot cheese dishes such as pizza, pasta or spreads and for baking to creative, plant-based recipes in the modern kitchen. They are versatile and offer a tasty, plant-based alternative to traditional cheese products for both everyday and special occasions.
VELIVERY: Cheese is both a flavouring and an indulgence, and is an essential part of many international cuisines. To what extent have you managed to change people’s minds?
CHIARA BROEKER: The topic of plant-based products is nowadays mainstream. Whether on pizza, in pasta or as a topping for sandwiches, our cheese alternatives offer the familiar taste that people don’t want to miss, and they fit easily into everyday cuisine. This is our mission: to make cheese alternatives simple, colourful and delicious.
Bite by bite to a new cheesy daily routine – with a recipe tip
VELIVERY: What is your core mission with your products?
CHIARA BROEKER: Our core mission with Simply V is to offer people plant-based alternatives that not only taste great but also make them feel good – and to make that as easy as possible. We want to show that conscious nutrition doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, and we are committed to developing plant-based products that allow everyone to contribute, bite by bite. Our goal is to be there for everyone who wants to rethink their everyday use of cheese.
VELIVERY: Could you tell us about three of your favourite dishes using Simply V?
CHIARA BROEKER: Our highlight dishes are a spinach lasagne with mushrooms and a pesto bechamel, baked with our new gratin for the right flavour. Pistachio tiramisu with our Streichzart Natur – an all-rounder that can be used on sandwiches, to enhance sauces or for baking. And a hearty kimchi grilled cheese sandwich with our slices – depending on your preference, with mild, creamy or spicy slices. Our plant-based cheese alternatives are so versatile that they can be used to reinvent dishes.
VELIVERY: We all care about the environment and animal welfare, and we all want to continue to live well and peacefully on our planet in the future. What are E.A.V.’s values, and how do you ensure sustainability?
Bringing everyone together at one colourful table
CHIARA BROEKER: Those who choose Simply V can reduce their CO2 footprint by two-thirds compared to conventional cheese, based on current knowledge. But that’s not all: In addition to continuously optimising our products, we have also set ourselves the goal of making our packaging and manufacturing processes even better. Especially nowadays, it’s important to strengthen the sense of community and bring everyone together at one colourful table. That is what we are committed to: good, simple coexistence. And thinking together about the community, the climate and the future. With Simply V, we want to create an all-round good feeling and foster a future that everyone can enjoy. That’s why we warmly invite everyone to ‚Join us and go plant-based!‘
VELIVERY: What can our customers expect from Simply V in the future?
CHIARA BROEKER: Simply V is never not moving – things are never at a standstill in our dynamic product category, so we’re constantly working on our product portfolio to make Simply even tastier. Our team is also busy with new products, so you can look forward to additions to the Simply V family this year.
VELIVERY: Thank you very much for the interview, Ms Broeker, which has given us an insight into some interesting aspects of the cheese-alternative industry!
If you’ve now worked up an appetite for a plate of spaghetti with a fine parmesan alternative, a power plant burger with delicious melted slices or crispy bread with spreadable topping, then take a look at the Simply V range at www.velivery.com/en/brands/simply-v. After all, it’s not about sacrificing, it’s about making clever substitutions.
Simply V recipe ideas
Naturally, we don’t want to deprive you of Chiara Broekers‘ gourmet recipe ideas. Simply enjoy! 🙂
