Bene Meat Technologies produces first cultivated beef burger

Bene Meat Technologies has announced the production of its first cultivated beef burger, which closely resembles conventional ground beef in appearance, aroma, and texture. This product offers an alternative to traditional beef, produced under strict ethical and sustainable conditions, and is designed to meet high standards of safety and nutrition. The company aims to price the burger competitively with premium beef, highlighting its potential to offer a viable option for consumers seeking more sustainable meat choices.

The burger is made entirely from cultivated beef cells, grown in controlled conditions to replicate the qualities of conventional meat. No other animal-derived ingredients were used beyond the beef cells themselves, and the production process is monitored to ensure safety and quality. This method eliminates the need for substances commonly used in traditional meat production, such as antibiotics, hormones, or antiparasitic treatments. The result is a product that is clean and free from residues, offering consumers an alternative that is both safe and carefully produced.

Cultivated meat production also has potential environmental benefits. The process generally uses less land, water, and energy compared to conventional livestock farming, and some studies suggest it could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This makes cultivated meat an environmentally conscious option, aligning with efforts to develop more sustainable food systems.

“Our cultivated beef burger is designed to offer consumers a real beef experience without the need for traditional farming methods. It reflects our commitment to producing food in a more ethical and sustainable way,” said Lada Kratochvílová, Production Technologist at Bene Meat Technologies.

Currently, the burger is not yet available for sale due to regulatory requirements, but Bene Meat Technologies is working to meet the safety standards set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The company remains optimistic about the future of cultivated meat and believes it could play a key role in providing healthy, ethical, and sustainable food choices.

Bene Meat Technologies, a Czech start-up founded in 2020, focuses on the development and commercialization of cultivated meat for both the food and feed industries. The company employs an international team of over 100 scientists and has made strides in producing cultivated cells for pet food, becoming the first company in the European Union to receive registration for this purpose. It continues to work on bringing cultivated meat products for human consumption to market in the future.