Italian health food company Valsoia is launching KEF Valsoia, a 100% plant-based drinkable kefir alternative it says is the first of its kind on the Italian market, alongside a new plant-based skyr-style product. Both were previewed at TuttoFood Milano this month.
KEF Valsoia uses live kefir cultures and yeasts cultivated through a plant-based process, producing what the company describes as a creamy, smooth drink. It is available in plain, tropical mix, and blueberry variants in a 250 ml format.
The company draws on experience in the kefir category through its acquisition of Krepko, a Slovenian brand with a long history in conventional kefir. The Bologna-based company, founded in 1990 and listed on Euronext Milan since 2006, has been producing plant-based alternatives in Italy for over three decades.
Skyr joins the portfolio
The second launch, Valsoia Skyr Style features a thick texture, high protein content, low fat, and no added sugar, available in a 2×125 g plain format. Skyr, a strained dairy product originating from Iceland, has seen rising interest across European markets as consumers look for high-protein, low-fat options. Plant-based versions remain uncommon, with few established alternatives from major brands.
No confirmed European equivalent yet
Valsoia says it has verified KEF’s status as the first plant-based drinkable kefir on the Italian market, but has not fully confirmed whether comparable products exist at a smaller or more local level elsewhere in Europe.
CEO and General Manager Andrea Panzani said: “With these innovations, we further strengthen Valsoia’s role as a leading brand in the Italian health and wellness space, in a market that is rapidly evolving towards more conscious and functional dietary choices. Segments such as kefir and skyr perfectly embody this trend, with strong growth rates and high consumer loyalty.”
