LOS ANGELES — Misha’s Inc., a plant-based cheese company founded in 2018 by Aaron Bullock, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of Vertage, another plant-based cheese maker.
The acquisition of Vertage will enable Misha’s product line to include shredded and sliced cheeses with additional product categories coming in 2025. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“By integrating Vertage’s expertise and leveraging [the company’s partnership with Fresh Del Monte], we’re not only scaling our operations but also evolving our product offerings to meet consumer demand,” said Aaron Bullock, founder and chief executive officer of Misha’s Inc.
Tim Wildin, current CEO of Vertage, will become chief marketing officer of Misha’s. Wildin has worked with Chipotle Mexican Grill, Zume Inc., TiffinLabs and Botrista Technology, Inc., holding several brand marketing, product development and hospitality leadership positions.
Misha’s formulates its plant-based cheeses with a special blend of a cashew milk base. Its product line offers a variety of plant-based cheese flavors, including Sari, Joi, Lox, Seven Point Five, French Connection, smoked cheddar and black truffle.
Plant-based chef and restaurateur Margaux Riccio began making plant-based cheeses after she developed an allergy to dairy in 2005.
Riccio, who leads restaurants including Bubbie’s Plant Burgers and Fizz, Plant Food Lab and Pow Pow, later garnered the attention of chefs in the area with her plant-based product.
Local chefs featured Riccio’s plant-based cheese on their menus. Through this, Riccio founded Vertage.
Vertage is found in select grocery stores and offers a variety of plant-based cheeses, including mozzarella, American cheddar, cream cheese, Everything But the Bagel cream cheese and pepper jack.
Vertage later partnered with Fresh Del Monte, Inc. in May 2023 to expand “healthy and sustainable” foods to consumers.
That partnership, which was a part of Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to sustainability and healthy living, helped Vertage grow into new markets.
Fresh Del Monte provided Vertage access to its production facilities, technology and logistics networks and participated in the company’s funding round.
Under the acquisition, Misha’s also will partner with Fresh Del Monte to expand its new product lines.
“This partnership reflects exactly why we opened our robust logistics network to other businesses,” said Ziad Nabulsi, senior vice president of North America operations at Fresh Del Monte. “It enables other companies to leverage a well-established, efficient system to expand their footprint and reach a broader audience.”