Philadelphia Cream Cheese is launching a plant-based version of its original-flavored spread. This is the first time a big brand of cream cheese in the U.S. has made a plant-based variety.

Philadelphia Plant-Based spread is launching at select retailers in the Southeastern U.S., including the Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Miami and Nashville markets. It will roll out nationwide — in both the original flavor and two others — next summer.

Following increased consumer interest in plant-based dairy, Philadelphia’s parent company Kraft Heinz has quickly jumped into the space. This is the CPG’s second launch of a plant-based cheese product in just over a month, following Kraft NotCheese slices through the company’s joint venture with NotCo.

After a slow start, the plant-based cheese sector is quickly accelerating.

The fact that there will be a plant-based version of Philadelphia means two things: Plant-based is recognized as a sizable market force, and Kraft Heinz is endorsing the quality of its plant-based variety by launching it under the Philadelphia brand.

The main ingredients in Philadelphia Plant-Based spread are coconut oil, modified potato starch and fava bean protein. Kraft Heinz’s suggested retail price is $6.49 — almost $2 more than its traditional variety with a current suggested retail price of $4.57, but competitive when compared with other plant-based cream cheeses, the company said.

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