Almost everyone will know a thing or two about plant-based milk. Often referred to as ‘mylk’, this dairy substitute packs a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits. Plus, there is a growing awareness for these types of products as people are becoming more aware of issues like how animals are treated on conventional farms. So, we are witnessing a new generation that is highly health-conscious, shifting towards more plant-based choices. Vic, for example, from Planet Veda is very mindful of his grocery’s choices and how their innovative dairy alternatives with simple ingredients are the real game-changers for like-minded consumers. Read on and let us know what you think!

What do you produce at Plant Veda, and what products do you offer?

At Plant Veda, we're using innovative technology to develop, produce and sell delicious dairy alternatives. Currently, there are three product categories in the market and several in the pipeline.

• Award-winning probiotic cashew lassi: Plant-based yogurt drink combining all-natural ingredients such as cashews, gluten-free oats, herbs, spices and fruits, containing 10 billion probiotics per cup promoting good gut health.

• Plant-based coffee creamers are made from whole food ingredients: cashews, coconuts, and gluten-free oats, available in various flavours, and maple-sweetened and unsweetened options, no added oils.

• Plant-based flavoured cashew 'mylk' made from whole food ingredients: cashews, gluten-free oats, pistachios, herbs, spices, sweetened with agave or cane sugar. A healthy, cholesterol-free beverage with no added oils.

What do you or your company stand for? 

At Plant Veda, we're producing dairy alternatives and accelerating humanity's shift to a plant-based lifestyle. We focus on all-natural, low processed and nutritional choices that are better for people, animals and the planet. We genuinely believe that the future is and should be plant-based!

What's the story behind it all? 

Our founders are originally from India, where milk is considered one of the healthiest foods. Cream, butter, ghee, and yogurt are added to almost every recipe.

One night Sunny Gurnany, our CEO, was watching the TV series Ramayana and in that episode, King Dashrath (Father of Lord Rama) passed away. The same night a call came from India that his father had passed away, possibly due to pre-existing heart disease. Later that year, they learned that he could have reversed his heart disease by shifting to plant-based dairy.

It then became a family mission to educate and shift humanity to a plant-based lifestyle, so we started the first certified organic plant-based dairy company called Go Vegan foods around nine years ago. It kept innovating, and later we changed the name to Plant Veda.

How do you feel about the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley and about supporting local businesses?

The location has played a key role in the growth of our business. The Plant Veda brand was launched in 2019 at the VegExpo/Vancouver Convention Centre, where thousands of people sampled our award-winning products. The first long-term production, however, happened in Newton, Surrey, co-located with a local food and beverage company. Due to the high demand and popularity, our distribution network has now grown from two retail outlets in South Surrey to over 100 retail locations all across BC and direct-to-customer/e-commerce platforms for national and beyond.

What does the future have in store?

We’re in the process of making upgrades to our newly acquired state-of-the-art 25,000 sq. ft facility on Annacis Island in Delta, BC, since receiving the CFIA's approval for national production and exporting, and has been registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The facility will act as a springboard for new product development and large-scale production. Phase 1 upgrade is underway to support 2.5M litres of production a year, with plenty of room to grow. In addition, foundations are being put in place to distribute products nationally and beyond. 

How has your relationship with your customers evolved over the years?

As a brand, Plant Veda has always been close to its customers. Since its launch in 2019, we have listened to customers and their needs, then tested, developed products and distributed them accordingly. In the initial years, there was much testing and feedback from customers at BC farmers markets and events, which evolved into direct e-commerce relationships at the onset of the pandemic and subsequent restrictions on retail. Our dedicated teams continually listen to customers' feedback and develop better products, eventually contributing to growth. 

This interview helped us understand the journey and vision of Plant Veda; what about you? Have you tried plant-based dairy alternatives yet?