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Draft:Panacheeza

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Panacheeza is an American plant-based cheese company specializing in dairy-free parmesan-style seasonings. Co-founded by Janessa Steenberg and Ryan Steenberg, the brand is known for its bold flavor, Italian heritage branding, and commitment to clean-label, plant-based comfort food.

History

Panacheeza was founded in the early 2020s by Janessa Steenberg, a Canadian-born entrepreneur and longtime vegan, along with her husband and co-founder, Ryan Steenberg, a former professional athlete and business owner. The couple launched the company while Janessa was completing her Bachelor of Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

With support from RIT’s Venture Creations Incubator, Panacheeza received mentorship, resources, and business development guidance that helped bring the product from concept to market. The initial recipe was inspired by Janessa’s Italian-Maltese roots and her grandmother’s traditional cooking. Developed to evoke the flavor of parmesan cheese using plant-based ingredients, Panacheeza debuted at local farmers markets and vegan festivals before expanding into retail and online channels.

Products

Panacheeza offers a line of shelf-stable, plant-based parmesan-style seasonings in three signature flavors:

Original – a dairy-free version of traditional parmesan Spicy – featuring a zesty, pepper-forward blend Truffle – infused with truffle for a rich, aromatic finish

All products are vegan and made without artificial preservatives.

Brand Philosophy

Panacheeza is rooted in the belief that plant-based food should be indulgent, flavorful, and culturally meaningful. Drawing from Janessa’s Italian heritage, the brand celebrates the spirit of home cooking and comfort food with a modern, plant-based twist. Its visual identity and storytelling are steeped in family traditions, Mediterranean influences, and a love for reimagined classics.

Janessa and Ryan Steenberg have built the company around authenticity, transparency, and the joy of sharing good food—values that are reflected in both the product and community engagement.

Media and Recognition

Panacheeza has been featured in the Rochester Institute of Technology alumni magazine and at numerous plant-based expos across the Northeastern United States. It has been praised for its nostalgic flavor, vibrant branding, and innovative approach to dairy-free cheese.

Retail Expansion

In 2024, Panacheeza expanded into all Whole Foods Market locations in the U.S. Northeast, marking a major milestone in its retail growth. The company is also preparing for international expansion into Canada, fueled by rising demand and Janessa’s personal and cultural ties to the region.

Future Plans

Panacheeza continues to scale its retail and food service presence, while also exploring new product innovations and brand collaborations. In 2024, Janessa launched "La Cucina Panacheeza", a cooking video series that showcases how the product can be used in both traditional and modern plant-based recipes. The company is also partnering with snack food manufacturers to integrate Panacheeza’s signature flavors into clean-label snack seasonings.

External Links

Official Website https://www.panacheeza.com


References

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