Giulia Casarini, Sales Leader EMEA Bioprocessing equipment © SOLARIS™ BIOTECH by Donaldson

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Solaris Biotech: “We are Deeply Passionate About the Alternative Protein Sector and its Transformative Potential”

In our latest interview, Giulia Casarini, Sales Leader EMEA at Solaris Biotech, discusses the evolving landscape of alternative protein production and the future of bioprocessing technology. Solaris Biotech specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions for the entire range of processes in the bioprocessing industry. Casarini offers insights into Solaris Biotech’s approach to supporting the alternative protein sector and shares her perspective on the trends shaping the industry. Can you elaborate on your unique selling proposition and how you differentiate yourselves from competitors in this space? At Solaris, we are deeply passionate about the alternative protein sector and its transformative potential for sustainability in the food industry. Our commitment to a more sustainable future drives us to collaborate with companies, research centers, and universities to pioneer …

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believer meats' cultivated chicken dish

© BELIEVER Meats

Believer Meats Study is “First” Demonstration of Cost-Efficient Manufacturing of Cultivated Meat

The continuous manufacturing of cultivated meat could address the associated scalability and cost challenges facing the industry, finds a new study published in the Nature journal conducted by Believer Meats founder Professor Yaakov Nahmias and a team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research used a technology called tangential flow filtration, with a new bioreactor assembly that permitted biomass expansion to 130 billion cells per liter. This provided yields of 43% weight per volume. A new animal-free culture medium costing just $0.63 per liter was also used. The process involved cultivating chicken cells over a 20-day period, with daily biomass harvests. The researchers found that the method could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of cultivated meat production, potentially making cultivated products more accessible …

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Gourmey applies to sell cultivated meat in the EU

© GOURMEY and Romain Buisson

Gourmey Becomes First Company to Apply to Sell Cultivated Meat in the EU

Gourmey, a French startup producing cultivated foie gras, has become the first company to apply for regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat in the European Union. The startup has also submitted applications in Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Before it goes on the market, the cultivated foie gras will need to be approved by the European Commission. Authorisation will be governed by the Novel Foods Regulation, said to be one of the most robust food safety frameworks in the world. The process is likely to take at least 18 months, and will include a thorough assessment of the safety and nutritional value of cultivated meat. The potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of the product will also be considered, with input from member …

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believer meats' cultivated chicken dish

© BELIEVER Meats

New Study On Morals Reveals Purity Trumps Harm in Attitudes Toward Cultivated Meat

A new study by psychology researchers from the UK and Australia surveyed 1,861 participants from the United States and Germany to explore how moral values relate to attitudes toward cultured meat. The authors explain that cultivated meat promotes less animal and environmental harm, aligning with the “harm/care” dimension of the Moral Foundations Theory, which emphasizes concern for the suffering of others and the desire to care for and protect people from harm. However, after three surveys, the researchers found that the “harm” dimension was unexpectedly weak in predicting favorable attitudes despite “harm” being a significant narrative in media and industry. The five moral foundations For the surveys, the researchers used the five moral foundations — harm, purity, fairness, loyalty, and authority — to predict attitudes …

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Simple Planet's cultivated meat

© Simple Planet

Bio Future Food Industry Association Launches in South Korea to Boost the Cultivated Meat Sector

The Bio Future Food Industry Association has launched in South Korea to support and develop the country’s cultivated meat sector. Established under the Korean biotechnology Industry, the new association boasts participation from 32 members, including the cell ag companies Simple Planet, SeaWith, CellQua, and TissenBioFarm and established food giants like Daesang and CJ CheilJedang. The Association plans to serve as a communication channel with relevant government agencies, hold regular seminars, build a global network, and promote cooperation programs among member companies. The aim is to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global cultivated meat market. Uniting efforts The inaugural meeting was held at the COEX convention center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Simple Planet’s CEO, Dominic Jeong, was elected as the inaugural chairman. Jeong holds a Ph.D. …

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Cultivated pork sausages

Image courtesy of Meatable

Survey Finds EU Consumers Support Safe Cultivated Meat, Want the Freedom to Choose

A new survey on attitudes toward cultivated meat in Europe commissioned by the Good Food Institute Europe reveals that people across the continent believe consumers should be able to decide whether to eat or not cultivated meat after EU regulators deem it safe for consumption. The survey carried out by YouGov and touted as one of the largest “of its kind” ever conducted, polled over 16,000 consumers across 15 European countries: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Meanwhile, a separate poll focused on Austrian and German consumers. The findings show that participants in 13 countries favour its introduction into the market. For example, 69% in Portugal, 65% in Germany, 63% in both Austria (where agriculture …

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Meatable, a Dutch producer of cell-based pork meat, has become the first company to hold an officially approved cultivated meat tasting in the European Union and the first in the Netherlands.

Image courtesy of Meatable © Bart Maat

Austrian Agriculture Officials to Use Negative Survey Results to Advocate Against Cultivated Meat

A study commissioned by Austria’s Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry in Carinthia (a southern region in the Alps and and least densely populated state), found that 90% of respondents are unwilling to eat cultivated meat regularly, 72% expressed health risk concerns, and 82% even want to ban the technology. The survey questioned over 800 people aged 16 and older, and, according to Deputy Governor Martin Gruber (ÖVP), participants were informed neutrally and objectively about the production process before being asked whether they would consume “lab-grown” meat. “This vehement rejection is a confirmation of our fight against laboratory meat, plain and simple. It’s about preventing this fake meat on the EU market,” Gruber told local media. Siegfried Huber, President of the Carinthia Chamber of Agriculture, said, …

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Cellivate Technologies' team

© Cellivate Technologies

Cellivate Technologies Wins $3.3M on Business Reality TV Show to Reduce Animal Slaughter Using Cells

Singapore’s Cellivate Technologies, a deep-tech startup developing cell-based solutions for cultivated meat, leather, and cruelty-free cosmetics, has emerged as the top winner of Channel News Asia’s (CNA) business reality show, The Big Spark. After competing with two dozen regional startups, Cellivate Technologies will potentially receive SGD 4.15 million (around $3.3 million) in funding from five venture capital companies, including Singapore’s Antler and Rigel-Farro Capital, which according to CNA, will support the cell ag startup with SGD 3.3 million. At The Big Spark, CEO and founder Dr. Viknish Krishnan-Kutty highlighted the topic of ethical meat consumption via plant-based and cell-based solutions. He said the funds would expand R&D, production capabilities, and the company’s team, adding a commercial unit for business growth. The problem of capital for …

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matrix f.t.'s cultivated chicken nuggets on a plate with sauce and two strawberries.

© Matrix F.T.

Ohio Rep. Introduces Bill to Ban Federal Support for Cultivated Meat, Citing Threats to Health and Farmers 

Warren Davidson, a Republican Party member and US representative for Ohio’s 8th congressional district, has recently introduced the REAL Meat Act of 2024 to prohibit using federal funds for any activity related to cultivated meat, including research, production, promotion, and advertisement. Rep. Davidson argues that cultivated meat poses health risks and threatens the livelihood of traditional meat producers. He calls for federal action to ensure taxpayer money isn’t spent on what he terms an “inferior, experimental product.” The legislation would also ban using this cell-based meat in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Rep. Davidson said, “Fake cell-cultured meat not only poses a health risk to the human body, but it also threatens the livelihoods of America’s hard-working ranchers, livestock farmers, and …

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UPSIDE Foods is hosting a free one-night-only pop-up in Miami to offer cultivated chicken before Florida's cultivated meat ban takes effect on July 1, 2024.

© UPSIDE Foods

UPSIDE Foods Hosts Free Cultivated Chicken Tasting Before Florida’s Ban

UPSIDE Foods, the first company to introduce a cultivated meat product in the USA,  announces that it is hosting a free, one-night-only pop-up tasting in Miami, on June 27, starting at 6:30 pm (ET). The event aims to celebrate “freedom of food” and allow Floridians to taste cultivated meat before the ban prohibiting the production and sale of cultivated meat in Florida takes effect on July 1, 2024. At the pop-up, participants will have the opportunity to taste UPSIDE’s cultivated chicken on a first-come, first-served basis. The address has not been disclosed; to obtain it, contact [email protected]. Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of UPSIDE Foods, commented, “We believe that cultivated meat is an essential part of the future of food and that people should have …

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bioreactor platform ever after foods

Image courtesy of Ever After Foods

Ever After Foods Raises $10M for “Unmatched” Cost-Effective Bioreactor Platform for Cultivated Meat Producers

Israel’s Pluri (Nasdaq: PLUR) (TASE: PLUR) announces that its cultivated meat subsidiary Ever After Foods, formerly Plurinuva, has secured $10 million in a funding round from US and EU strategic investors, including a second investment from Israel’s Tnuva Group and Pluri itself. With the new capital, Ever After Foods aims to propel its technology platform to become a technology enabler for cultivated meat producers. The company claims it has developed a cutting-edge bioreactor platform to produce cultivated foods with “unmatched” cost-efficient scalability. Eyal Rosenthal, CEO of Ever After Foods, shared, “Ever After Foods’ unique and innovative production platform empowered the change in our business model. The shift to a technology enabler will allow us to serve more players in the value chain. “Securing funding from …

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Believer Meats partners with AGWA to develop cultivated meat capabilities in the MENA region

Image: AGWA/Believer Meats

Believer Meats Partners With AGWA to Develop Cultivated Meat Capabilities in the Middle East

Biotech firm Believer Meats has announced a collaboration with Abu Dhabi food and water cluster AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance) to develop its cultivated meat capabilities in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. Believer Meats aims to establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi that will support commercial operations, product manufacturing, and R&D. This will bring new job opportunities to the region, while supporting AGWA’s goals to improve food security and address water scarcity. The collaboration will help Believer Meats achieve its vision of a global platform, showing that the company’s model can be effectively scaled and replicated in new markets. Additionally, the two organizations will explore establishing a Believer Meats Innovation Academy, with the intention of developing talent in the field …

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A tray of food for the military

© norikko - stock.adobe.com

US Department of Defense Calls for Proposals to Develop Cultivated Meat for Military Rations

The U.S. Department of Defense’s manufacturing innovation institute, BioMADE, has released a call for proposals to develop sustainable food and material solutions for military operations through its Sustainable Logistics for Advanced Manufacturing (SLAM) Project. The project seeks solutions to address the causes or impacts of global climate change, including sustainable food production such as fermented proteins and cultivated meat. According to BioMADE, the proposals must emphasize their technological components and demonstrate a DoD-relevant application of the innovation within one of the specified focus areas. Academic institutions, small businesses, and non-profit organizations can apply for awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. Novel proteins in military rations The call’s focus areas include sustainable food production, converting waste to bioproducts, carbon capture technologies, lowering the resource requirements …

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Myocopia & University of Helsinki develop growth free medium

Myocopia / University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki Develops “Game-Changing” Cultivated Meat Technology Without Growth Medium Using Stem Cells

Pekka Katajisto of the University of Helsinki’s HiLIFE (Helsinki Institute of Life Science) and his team at the Myocopia project have developed a technology based on stem cell research that they believe would allow the large-scale production of cultivated meat, thus bringing affordable products to the market. The Myocopia researchers argue that cultivating meat in bioreactors relies on expensive growth factors to make the cells grow and differentiate, and these costs hinder cultivated meat companies from growing sufficient volumes of meat cost-effectively. However, after researching how cellular metabolism regulates the division and differentiation of muscle stem cells, the Myocopia team has found another approach to achieve the same cell behavior without using a growth medium. “I believe our innovation is going to be a game …

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Cultivated meat startup Orbillion Bio has raised venture capital funding to develop further its predictive model or "scale-up algorithm" for cultivated meat.

© Orbillion Bio

Are US Consumers Beginning to Accept Cultivated Meat?

Recent studies tracking US consumer attitudes toward cultivated meat have found a relatively positive outlook for a product yet to be available for mass consumption. A YouGov survey of 9,272 US adults conducted in May 2024 revealed only 50% of the participants preferred to eat animal meat when asked to choose between traditional and lab-grown meat, assuming it was identical to meat. Interestingly, 14% responded that they wouldn’t eat either. This 50% preference for animal meat was consistent across various categories — region, gender, politics, age, and race — with only slight variations. The most significant divergence was political: 68% of Republicans preferred animal meat over lab-grown meat. The survey questioned whether participants would consider trying meat made in a laboratory instead of animal or …

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(L) Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister of Education, Industry, and Innovation and Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries - Image provided

Icelandic Ministers Taste Ivy Farm’s Cultivated Beef During Iceland Innovation Week

The UK-based cultivated meat company Ivy Farm Technologies and the Icelandic biotechnology company ORF Genetics held a cultivated meat tasting and panel discussions at an event last week during Iceland Innovation Week. The tasting featured cultivated meatballs made with Angus beef cells prepared by Chef Ólafur Örn Ólafsson, owner and chef of the restaurant Brút in Reykjavík. According to the announcement, many stakeholders from the food and technology industries attended the event, including Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister of Education, Industry, and Innovation, and Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.  Sigurbjörnsdóttir commented: “It is very exciting to see the developments in cultivated meat production globally and it is particularly enjoyable to see an Icelandic company, ORF Genetics, taking part in this. Iceland Innovation Week has been very diverse, and getting to taste meat from Ivy Farm was a …

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The UK's Ivy Farm Technologies announces it has signed a manufacturing agreement with Synbio Powerlabs Oy, the Finnish leader in synthetic biology, to produce its cultivated meat products at a large scale.

Image courtesy of Ivy Farm

Ivy Farm Partners with Synbio Powerlabs to Cultivate Meat At “Unprecedented” Scale

UK-based Ivy Farm Technologies announces it has signed a manufacturing agreement with Synbio Powerlabs, a Finnish leader in synthetic biology, to produce its cultivated meat products in large fermenters. According to Synbio Powerlabs, cultivated meat will be produced on an unprecedented scale in Finland. The Finnish firm is converting a sizeable food-grade facility into a fermentation hub supported by a €2.99 million grant from the Finnish government. Expected to be operational by early 2025, the facility will include production scales at 10,000 and 27,000 L and six 250,000 L manufacturing vessels. Once opened, it will be the largest facility of its kind in the world, according to the announcement. Gaining access to Synbio Powerlabs’ expertise and facilities, Ivy Farms will scale up its cultivated meat production to …

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GOOD Meat in retail

© GOOD Meat

GOOD Meat Announces the World’s First Retail Sales of Cultivated Meat

US cultivated meat company GOOD Meat announces the retail launch of a new product, GOOD Meat 3, at the frozen section of the premium meats specialist Huber’s Butchery in Singapore.  GOOD Meat has been producing and selling its chicken in the city-state, by releasing limited quantities in fine dining establishments, food delivery apps, hawker stalls, and the Bistro of Huber’s Butchery (throughout 2023). However, for the first time since its approval three and a half years ago, cultivated meat will be available for customers to buy and cook at home. GOOD Meat 3 is said to be a lower-cost formulation using just 3% cultivated chicken that offers the same “delicious” taste, texture, and experience as conventional chicken. It will be available for the remainder of …

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Cultivated meat by Aleph Farms

© Image courtesy of Aleph Farms

Aleph Farms Partners with BioRaptor to Streamline Cultivated Beef Production With Cutting-Edge AI

Israeli biotech Aleph Farms announces a partnership with the AI-powered insights platform BioRaptor to streamline and lower the costs of its cultivated meat production process by integrating cutting-edge AI technology. Aleph Farms, the first and only company to receive regulatory approval for cultivated beef, is preparing to produce larger volumes of its products, Aleph Cuts, in Israel and Thailand. In Thailand, it will install a large-scale manufacturing plant, targeting Southeast Asia as its central hub. Its growth approach involves strategically expanding its production capacity to ensure long-term success and minimize risks. The partnership with BioRaptor is a key part of this strategy, as it will enable the implementation of advanced tools in R&D to optimize processes before making significant infrastructure investments.  Dr Neta Lavon, CTO …

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Why Is a Former Meat Company Owner Investing in Cultivated Meat? With Davide Dukcevich

The former owner of Daniele prosciutto and now cultivated meat investor, Davide Dukcevich joins Elysabeth on The Plantbased Business Hour with Elysabeth Alfano to discuss the outlook for cultivated meat AND the outlook for meat.   Specifically, they discuss: Why would someone whose family founded a meat company, Daniele known for its prosciutto, be interested in cultivated meat? When did you realize that change was afoot in the meat industry and how do you see this transpiring in today’s convoluted world? When will we see the supply chain issues be addressed in cultivated meat and what kind of capital will that take? Will it be blended capital, and if so, how much? Will we see ‘S-curve capital’ before we see ‘S-curve adoption’? What innovations are you most …

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