Cultured meat bedrock of sustainable meat ecosystem, suggests GlobalData

Cultured meat is revolutionizing the meat industry, driven by pioneering startups and supported by established industry giants. With advancements in cellular techniques, regulatory endorsements, and growing logistical costs, it is poised to emerge as a scalable and resource-efficient alternative to conventional meat production, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

“Cultured meat emerges as a beacon of ethical and environmental standards, drawing from cellular sources rather than traditional slaughter," said Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData. "Amid the pursuit of sustainable options, lab-grown alternatives take center stage. Yet, achieving widespread acceptance hinges on aligning production costs with economies of scale.”

“There is a surge in sustainable, animal-free food solutions, driven by escalating investments and relentless innovation," added Shagun Sachdeva, Project Manager of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData. "Spearheaded by startups pursuing cost-effective production, this movement prompts food industry giants to pivot and tap into the burgeoning cultured meat market. With regulatory green lights in both Singapore and the USA, the cultivated meat sector is poised for exponential growth.”

GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center sheds light on key market developments in the cultured meat sector.

Mzansi Meat (rebranded as Newform Foods), an Africa-based cultivated meat startup, rolled out a cost-efficient cultivated meat bioproduction platform in August 2023. CellX, a Shanghai-based a cellular agriculture startup, began lab-grown meat trials in China while Embrapa Swine and Poultry is developing a chicken breast fillet prototype.

The US Department of Agriculture had given its inaugural nod to cell-cultured meat from GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods in July 2023. Aleph Farms sought approval for cell-based meat in both the UK and Switzerland during the same month.

CDMO Extracellular, a UK-based a cultivated meat-focused contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), introduced budget-friendly cell banks without licensing or commercial constraints, targeting budding cultivated meat startups and scholars, in June 2023.

MeaTech, an Israeli foodtech venture, pioneered a multi-nozzle modular printing head in April 2022, offering an eco-friendlier substitute to the traditional animal farming, minimizing carbon footprint, water, and land use, and eradicating the need for animal slaughter.

“Currently, market players are optimistic about the success of lab-grown meat products," Sachdeva concluded. "Yet, realization hinges on a clear strategy, from universally accepted taxonomy to precise certification labels. Companies must also enhance customer experience, explore fresh distribution avenues, and amplify their social media presence to spotlight their offerings.”