FPP Amsterdam Speaker Spotlight: Owen Ensor, CEO, Meatly

We catch up with another one of +100 speakers at The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam – Owen Ensor from Meatly, the pet food company that made headlines this summer when it became the first European company to be authorized to sell cultivated meat, following UK clearance for its cultivated pet food

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“Securing approval to sell our cultivated meat products for pets marked a major milestone – not only for pet food, but also for the broader transformation of the food industry,” says a delighted Owen Ensor, CEO of the groundbreaking UK company, Meatly. “This approval has set our company apart, as we’re now known to be the first cultivated pet food company to gain approval in Europe, which is a huge milestone that the whole team was extremely honoured to achieve,” he details.

Meatly’s approval was granted seemingly so quickly and smoothly that the company has almost made the process look effortless. “Well, I don’t want anyone to think that it was an overly easy process,” laughs Ensor. “We have – and continue to have – comprehensive due diligence with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the APHA to ensure the safety of our product, as it should be to ensure consumer confidence. These government bodies verified our compliance with all necessary regulations, and our technology successfully passed APHA’s stringent inspection process.”

So, how was the experience of working with these various bodies? “We felt immense support from these regulatory agencies, and I sensed a genuine desire for us to succeed in bringing cultivated meat to consumers,” confirms Ensor. “I truly hope this paves the way for other cultivated meat companies seeking approval.”

Through my experience, I’ve learned quickly that producing high-quality cultivated meat is no simple task and it requires rigorous attention to detail at every stage of development

The European experience

Although the UK is no longer in the European Union, it’s still a part of Europe, and many feel that the European landscape is generally a more productive and encouraging environment for alternative proteins firms to flourish than the USA, where the subject of cultivated meat seems far more politicized and controversial. Commenting on this debate, Ensor says, “Both regions have big advocates as well as parts where cultivated meat is frowned upon or even banned (i.e. Italy and Florida). I also don’t think it’s useful to pit the two regions against each other – one of the key strengths the sector has going for it is its collaborative nature.”

Speaking more generally, at a global level, what more needs to be done to encourage the alternative proteins sector to succeed and develop at a pace quick enough to make a significant difference to food and environmental sustainability? “Through my experience, I’ve learned quickly that producing high-quality cultivated meat is no simple task and it requires rigorous attention to detail at every stage of development,” Ensor explains. “This means it’s essential for companies to prioritize this by thorough testing to ensure that every step is followed to perfection. There’s no room for shortcuts in the cultivated meat industry as getting the science right is absolutely critical.”

When asked for some detail on how Meatly is getting its own science right, Ensor highlights that its Chief Scientific Officer, Helder Cruz, is “instrumental” to the team, driving excellence in all scientific facets of cultivated meat. “With more than 25 years of experience and expertise in cell therapy and biotech, Cruz imparts invaluable knowledge, and our team benefits from his guidance every day.”

Our feeding trials have provided invaluable feedback from pet owners and their four-legged companions, underscoring the importance of consumer trust

Ensor also points out that beyond the technical aspects, gaining the approval and trust of consumers is just as crucial for advancing the cultivated meat industry. “Showcasing our product and the values behind it plays a key role in developing a positive relationship with those we aim to serve. At Meatly, for example, our feeding trials have provided invaluable feedback from pet owners and their four-legged companions, underscoring the importance of consumer trust,” he states. And, he advises, building confidence with potential consumers – whether families, friends, or even pets – should be central to every decision a company makes. “By keeping their needs and the larger goal of sustainability at the forefront, companies can stay focused and be assured that their work is making a meaningful difference.”

It's this difference that drives Ensor’s own work. “The innovation behind cultivated meat is truly extraordinary and its potential impact on both consumers and the planet fuels my passion and dedication every day,” says the committed vegan. So, where does pet food fit into this potential impact? “As people’s relationships with their pets become increasingly more personal and meaningful, many are seeking pet food that aligns with their own ethical values. Cultivated meat offers a way to meet these evolving demands by providing a sustainable and humane option that resonates with pet owners' morals and beliefs,” Ensor says.

On a personal note, Ensor says he believes that cultivated meat holds the key to addressing countless critical global challenges. “Although Meatly's journey only began a few years ago, the progress we’ve made is remarkable, coupled of course with open-mindedness from the regulatory bodies. I believe there are no limits to what we can achieve, and I’m even more excited and ambitious with regard to what’s still to come.”

Owen will be taking part in a panel discussion, Alternative protein powerhouses: EU versus US strategies, at The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam. Book your place today to hear another 100 speakers, network with +400 industry leaders, and visit the exhibition stands of more than 45 participating companies