French plant-based cheese producer Jay&Joy has raised €2 million in funding to support its growth in the UK and Europe.
The investment will accelerate the international development of its two brands, Jay&Joy and Les Nouveaux Affineurs, as well as support the company’s overall mission to become a leading European platform for dairy-free cheese products.
Jay&Joy’s existing investors Demeter, Beyond Impact, Mindstone and Vivegan primarily led the round, with additional participation from new investors including Makesense.
Headquartered in Lacroix-Saint-Ouen, Jay&Joy has established a strong presence within France’s organic retail networks – the core of the company’s strategy and values. It is currently expanding internationally following its UK launch in 2025.
Les Nouveaux Affineurs, a French brand acquired by Jay&Joy in January last year, was launched in French supermarkets in May 2025.
The company said it has planned ‘significant acceleration’ of the brand for 2026. Having secured recent listings with Monoprix, Franprix, Intermarché and Carrefour among others, Les Nouveaux Affineur is already present in over 1,000 stores in France, with Jay&Joy aiming to double this network and hit 2,000 points of sale by the end of the year.
To support this expansion, the funds raised will be allocated to three priorities: strengthening the field sales force, supporting brand awareness and accessibility for Jay&Joy and Les Nouveaux Affineurs, and improving and optimising production facilities.
The company’s goal is to accommodate an increased volume exceeding 3 million plant-based cheeses produced annually by 2027.
Jay&Joy draws inspiration from traditional French cheesemaking methods in its plant-based cheese production, including fermentation and ripening processes. Its formulations are focused on short, minimally processed ingredients lists, with all products free from preservatives, additives and colouring, while prioritising local sourcing.
César Augier, CEO of Jay&Joy, said: “Thank you to our shareholders for supporting Jay&Joy. This investment round will allow us to build on our strong sales momentum across Europe and further contribute to the food transition, while staying true to what makes us unique: a genuine cheesemaking culture, minimally processed products, high quality standards and a deep respect for the environment.”
Dining and Cooking