Homegrown Brand Incepted By Anushi Patel, Soft Spot Is Redefining Plant-Based Cheeses In India

Most of us are aware and proud of the fact that India is the largest producer of milk in the world and hence, it comes as no surprise that cheese is the fastest-growing value-added product in the country. Now, as the vegan revolution continues to take root in the hearts of innumerable climate-conscious denizens, the demand for plant-based milk and cheese is skyrocketing. Yet, when it comes to the superior quality of vegan cheeses, the market was left somewhat wanting. But that was before the inception of an exceptional homegrown brand Soft Spot that’s been changing the game for plant-based cheeses in India.

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The products of this brand managed to stand out not only for their innovativeness but the excellent quality that every connoisseur of cheese craved from the bottom of their hearts. In fact, ever since Soft Spot won the "Best Vegan cheese" award 2020 by PETA India, there has been no looking back. It appears that the brand founded by Anushi Patel has set out to deliver deliciousness far beyond everyone’s expectations!

Discover the founder’s own vegan journey that led to her conceptualizing Soft Spot

Touching upon what compelled her to start her vegan journey, Patel admits that it happened quite organically. “I have always been concerned about the state of our planet, ever since I was a child. Of course, the health and ethical aspects play a large part in being vegan but I believe the environmental aspect affects every living being.” She then goes on to explain the start of her entrepreneurial journey, “I feel deeply connected to food as a creative outlet and a means to solve a lot of our climate and health issues. In India, we have the largest vegetarian population on the planet so it made sense to me to start with vegan cheese instead of faux meat,” she elucidates.

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Looking at her academic background, you immediately notice that Patel is an Industrial designer and hence, every decision she’s been taught to make surrounds sustainability. The material they choose, the problem they're solving, to the product life cycle. Furthermore, her internship as a Chef and time studying food systems seems to have aided her in conceptualizing and running Soft Spot.

An insight into the intriguing plant-based products that Soft Spot offers

Soft Spot has the largest variety of plant-based cheeses in the country with varying textures and flavors. The best part is that they are all formulated and manufactured in-house. An intriguing facet is that Soft Spot is a hybrid cheese, which essentially means that it is a blend of nuts and starches. Back in 2019, when they launched, they were one of the first to develop a range of products with this hybrid method. Today, right from the popular soft mozzarella, to cheddar, Parmesan, and smoked cheese, Soft Spot has a wide range of bespoke cheeses as their offerings. Yet, some of the most exciting products that you’d adore by this homegrown brand are the huge wheels of Parmezan cheese that they produce.

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The first of their kind, they are marvels as are the DIY fondue kits that they have developed with Book A Workshop, an educational product. But their spicy jalapeño cheese shall win your heart for much like their other products it best fits everything from dosa to a pizza! Probe Anushi on her favorite offerings and she retorts, “I really love our Parmezan wedge followed by the Truffle spread. I like to make pizza with the soft mozzarella, spaghetti with the parm and I serve the Truffle spread to others because it's a winner!” she beams.

Learn what sets them apart from other vegan cheeses

When it comes to the USP of this brand, it is a noteworthy fact that the quality of their cheeses is excellent and comparable to vegan cheese from any part of the globe. Among some of the fresh ingredients they use in the manufacture of vegan cheese are Cashews, coconut oil, potato flour, and tapioca flour. This is a brand that doesn't compromise on the ingredients and its flavor profiles are not one-dimensional. Apart from this, their products have all the benefits of plant-based foods such as being cruelty-free, dairy-free, and having a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, they are also free from hormones and antibiotics making them ideal.

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Not only are their products ideal for those who are lactose-intolerant, but they also suit anyone who is climate-conscious and wishes to transition to vegan cheese. Speaking of the response so far to vegan cheese,  Anushi recalls cases where customers were utterly delighted with the products. “I love to see how surprised people are when they try the cheese and can't believe it's made from plants,” she smiles.

All about the accessibility of Soft Spot cheeses

For the uninitiated, this homegrown brand is the first company globally to make large wheels of vegan hard parmesan cheese, as most corporations mainly sell powdered parmesan. As the largest manufacturer of vegan cheese in India, Soft Spot is on a mission to help people adopt a sustainable, cruelty-free lifestyle. Soft Spot is currently supplying to Little Italy PAN India, ITC Hotels Pan India as well as several other restaurants and hotels.

What’s more, is that the homegrown Indian brand has supplied cheese in Maldives and Singapore as well. Additionally, they supply their products through various retailers, online stores, and their own websites.

Discover what is next on the horizon for this venerated brand

Anushi confesses that the vision for Soft Spot over the next few years is to be celebrated as a homegrown brand that is loved by Indian households for its creativity, consistency, and transparency. Quiz her about what’s next on the horizon for her brainchild and she says, “We are setting up a larger manufacturing facility with a high level of compliance that will allow us to cater to export and food service customers. Also, we're always working on new launches and product development. I am a product person first, followed by a people person so for me, watching the team grow and each individual in the team get better at their job, it’s amazing!

“My immediate plan is to introduce Soft Spot and its mission to as many people as possible. We’re set to grow everything from the team, to the product range and of course the customer base. We want to provide a sustainable alternative to India's growing appetite for cheese,” Anushideclares, signing off.

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