Studies & Numbers

oland's first cultivated meat startup, LabFarm, has received over PLN 9 million (around €2 million) from the National Centre for Research and Development.

© LabFarm

Europe’s Cultivated Meat Market Could Create Up to €80Bn and 90,000 Jobs by 2050, But Key Investments & Policy Changes Critical

In collaboration with the Good Food Institute Europe, Systemiq Ltd. has analyzed current trends and data to estimate the future of cultivated meat and the economic, environmental, and health benefits it could bring to Europe. The analysis, released today in a new report, predicts that the global cultivated meat market could reach €170-510 billion by 2050. Meanwhile, the EU’s cultivated meat potential could deliver around €15-80 billion by 2050, directly creating 25-90,000 new jobs. However, this growth will only be possible if products achieve price and performance parity by 2035-40 and the sector overcomes current regulatory and political hurdles. The authors state, “Cultivated meat is still nascent, however it has the potential to bring us closer to reaching taste and texture parity with traditional meat and …

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Global meat industry and world beef production food concept

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Scientists Challenge “The Dublin Declaration” Urging Meat Reduction in Wealthy Nations

Scientists from various European universities published a rebuttal to The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock in the journal Nature Food today. Lead author Chris Bryant, honorary research associate at the University of Bath and director at Bryant Research, described the paper as a “clear and concise takedown” of the declaration’s central argument: reducing meat consumption is unnecessary. “Livestock is too precious” The Dublin Declaration was launched at the Irish government agricultural agency Teagasc in 2022, signed by over 1,000 scientists. It has received media coverage in outlets like the Telegraph and the New York Post. The paper emphasizes the benefits of meat consumption in terms of nutrition, environment, and social aspects, describing livestock as “too precious to society to become …

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Vegan Dukan

© Vegan Dukan/Sudo Foods

India Leads the World in Meat-Free Diets, New Statista Survey Reveals

A Statista Consumer Insights survey on meat-free diets worldwide has revealed that India surpasses the rest of the world in following either a vegetarian or a vegan diet. According to the data collected from 2,000–10,000 respondents aged 18–64 surveyed in various countries between 2023 and 2024, four out of ten people in India follow a meat-free diet. The figure is significantly lower in the following nine countries on the top-ten list, which interestingly does not include Germany or the Netherlands. Moreover, the UK, a country experiencing a surge in veganism in recent years, is on par with the US, with only 10% of respondents saying they embrace a meat-free diet. The chart shows that 11% of South Africans follow a meat-free diet. According to ProVeg …

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Fable Foods blended meat

© Fable Foods

Report: 74% of American Consumers Are Interested in Blended Meat

A new report by NECTAR, a philanthropic initiative working to accelerate the protein transition with taste, has found that 74% of US consumers surveyed are interested or extremely interested in blended meat products. Blended meat (also referred to as “plant-rich meat”) consists of a combination of conventional animal meat and plant-based protein. 51% of omnivorous consumers said sustainability was their biggest interest driver in blended meat, while 47% cited health. Products with a 50/50 mix of plant-based and animal-based ingredients were perceived to be the most appealing. Interestingly, plant-based nuggets outperformed conventional chicken nuggets in blind taste tests conducted as part of the report, while animal-based products remained in the lead in most categories. However, when consumers were given blended meat burgers, they rated them …

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Supermarket stockpiling

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How Sustainable are German Supermarkets? Superlist Ranking Announced for Spring 2025

This week, think tank Questionmark has published the methodology for the new Superlist Environment in Germany. It will compare the efforts of Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Edeka, Kaufland, Lidl, and Rewe regarding the protein transition, sustainable agriculture, and combating climate change. Superlist Environment is an initiative from think tank Questionmark, in collaboration with the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, Madre Brava, Physicians Association for Nutrition and ProVeg, with consulting of Deutsche Umwelthilfe. The supermarkets have already provided feedback on the methodology at the New Food Conference on September 3rd in Berlin. In spring 2025, Questionmark will publish the results of the study and a ranking of the supermarkets. Race to the top on sustainability The recent implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the …

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© Mosa Meat

Study Predicts Cultivated Meat Could Slash Social Costs of Animal Meat by Over Half

Does cultivated meat have the potential to reduce the impact of traditional meat production on the environment, workers, and animals? A recent study by the Dutch project PPP True Price: from Insight to Action reveals that by 2030, the overall social costs of cultivated meat from RESPECTfarms could be 2 to 3.5 times lower than conventional meat from dairy cows, chicken, and pork produced in the Netherlands. The research, conducted by Wageningen Economic Research and CE Delft, employed the True Cost Accounting (TCA) method to analyze how the impact of meat production relates to the production of cultured meat and express it in euros. Switching to cultivated meat According to Pelle Sinke, a researcher at CE Delft, the advantage of cultivated meat relies on its more efficient conversion of feed …

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Poultry at a factory farm

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Global Organizations Push to End Factory Farming and Present Roadmap for “Just Transition” at Climate Week NYC

The Center for Biological Diversity and World Animal Protection unveiled a white paper yesterday, co-produced with more than 50 contributors, urging the phase-out of industrial animal agriculture to address its impact on climate change, humans, and animals at a panel during Food Day at Climate Week NYC. According to the white paper, the industrial animal production system, including industrial fishing and aquaculture, is fundamentally inequitable, inefficient, and financially flawed. It is a leading driver of climate change, with experts agreeing that global emissions from animal production must decline by 50% by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets. In addition, industrial animal farming is a significant source of animal suffering and one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, contributing to habitat loss, water pollution, and …

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Deforestation aerial photo. Rainforest jungle in Borneo

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EU Green Deal Could Backfire Globally Without a Shift to Plant-Based Diets, Warns New Research

The European Green Deal (EGD), aimed at achieving carbon neutrality within the European Union (EU) by 2050, could unintentionally exacerbate global greenhouse gas emissions unless substantial dietary changes, particularly a shift toward plant-based diets, are adopted. A recent study published in Nature Sustainability highlights that while the Green Deal is expected to reduce emissions within the EU, it could lead to a more than twofold increase in emissions outside of Europe. The research, led by Klaus Hubacek, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Groningen, finds that the EGD’s agricultural and forestry targets could result in a significant rise in land-use-related emissions globally. The study suggests that carbon emissions outsourced to non-EU countries could increase by 244.8% relative to the amount of …

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CAA's new report calls for industry stakeholders to collaborate on prioritizing impact areas, claims, and metrics.

© Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA)

Cellular Agriculture Australia Calls for Clearer and Verifiable Impact Metrics for Cell-Based Foods

The cellular agriculture industry faces pressure to communicate its impact potential to policymakers, investors, and consumers. However, most impact claims companies make are often aspirational, reflecting an industry at scale that may not align with short-term or medium-term realities. Vague and ambiguous claims such as “future-friendly,” “planet-friendly,” “kinder,” “cleaner,” and “clean”; metrics such as “animal lives saved” or “deaths avoided,” which are difficult to verify; and specific claims such as “100x less land” or “90% less GHG emissions” open companies to potential litigation if not verifiable. These claims could harm investor confidence, alienate future consumers, and deter government support. These are the statements of a new report by Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA), which calls for industry stakeholders to collaborate on prioritizing impact areas, claims, and …

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New York City Health and Hospitals

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Default Plant-Based Meals at New York City Health + Hospitals See Over 90% Patient Satisfaction

Since 2021, plant-based meals have been the default option for patients at New York City Health + Hospitals. Now, a new paper published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has found that the policy has high patient satisfaction, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers costs. Patient acceptance of the plant-based meals, which are the primary lunch and dinner option at 11 hospitals, is extremely high at more than 95%. Patient satisfaction is not far behind, reaching over 90%. Calculations indicate that the hospital system’s emissions have reduced by 36% as a result of the plant-based menu, while the cost of the plant-based entrees is $0.59 less than for meals containing animal products. This saved a total of $318,000 in 2023. The program has been …

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Heura plant-based burgers

© Heura

Heura Study Finds 85% of Spaniards Would Consume More Plant-Based Meat If They Knew Its Benefits

Spanish plant-based meat brand Heura recently conducted a representative survey which reportedly found that 85% of Spaniards would consume more plant-based meat if they knew its benefits. Respondents said they were in favour of eating plant-based meat if it had a high nutritional value, a taste similar to animal meat, and a low environmental impact. 71% said they thought plant-based meat was healthier than conventional meat, while 56% had consumed it within the last six months. Among those aged 24 to 35, acceptance rates were even higher, with just 1.6% saying they would never consume plant-based meat. However, the survey found that most Spaniards were unaware of the environmental impact of eating less meat, with many incorrectly believing that measures such as recycling have a …

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Food tech accelerator Eatable Adventures has released a new report on the Future of Dairy

© Image courtesy of Eatable Adventures

New Report “The Future of Dairy” Advocates for Disruptive Technologies & Partnerships to Address Industry Challenges

A new report on the future of dairy released by the food tech accelerator Eatable Adventures calls for industry leaders to adopt forward-thinking practices and integrate plant-based, fermented, and cell-based dairy innovations for better sustainability and efficiency. The report highlights three main areas to transform the industry: moving toward more sustainable practices, developing and adopting hybrid products (combining traditional and alternative ingredients), and forming strategic innovation partnerships to drive these changes successfully. Scaling emerging technologies However, the study, which compiles insights from medium to large dairy companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, has found that the industry is divided on adopting new technologies. Industry leaders pointed out that competition presents a primary challenge to adopting these technologies within the traditional dairy sector and from …

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Study Finds Superior Health Outcomes in Dogs Fed a Plant-Based Diet

A new study has examined health outcomes for 2,536 dogs who were fed a conventional meat, raw meat, or plant-based diet for at least a year. Seven indicators of illness were studied, along with 22 specific health disorders. The results show that dogs fed plant-based diets had superior health outcomes to those fed conventional meat for all seven indicators, with the difference described as “substantial and statistically significant”. The plant-based dogs were also more than 50% less likely to develop six specific health disorders — body weight problems, musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal issues, swollen anal glands, and dental or oral problems. No health disorder was consistently more prevalent in dogs fed a plant-based diet. Furthermore, the plant-based group was 21% less likely to have multiple veterinary …

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The latest report by Bright Green Partners consultancy, examines the opportunities the European dairy industry has to address a projected rise in production costs by investing in sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products.

© Bright Green Partners

Plant-Based and Precision-Fermented Milk Set for Dominance in Europe by 2040, Report Predicts

Plant-based milk could be 10% cheaper than cow’s milk and become a staple product and ingredient by the end of 2030 if products meet taste and nutrition requirements, such as higher protein and micronutrients. Meanwhile, alternative milk made with precision-fermented (animal-free) whey and casein proteins will become increasingly competitive as technical innovations improve and production processes scale up. These are among various estimates from the latest report by alternative protein consultancy Bright Green Partners. This report examines the opportunities the European dairy industry has to address a projected rise in production costs by investing in sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products. Floor Buitelaar, managing partner of Bright Green Partners, shared, “This report is a must-read for industry leaders who want to understand the future dairy …

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Ingredients for plant based meat over a yellow background

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EU Urged to Develop Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods by 2026

A new report on the future of farming, presented to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week, urges the EU to support a plan for plant-based foods, asks for increased funding for nature and climate-friendly farming, and calls for a change in farm subsidies. The report results from seven months of negotiations by a forum of 30 organizations, including green NGOs, consumer groups, farmers’ unions, and industry actors, to agree on the future of Europe’s agri-food sector. Called “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture,” the forum was set by von der Leyen in January amid farmer protests and climate warnings. Action plan for plant-based foods The report urges the European Commission to develop, by 2026, an “EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods” to …

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AI Vegan nutrition plans lack advice on essential nutrients like vitamin B12, say German researchers.

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German Researchers Uncover Flaws in Vegan Diet Plans by ChatGPT and Gemini

Researchers at the University of Hohenheim and the Max Rubner Institute conducted a study on the suitability of AI chatbots ChatGPT and Gemini (previously Bard) to create meal plans that meet the daily intakes of macro- and micronutrients for different dietary patterns: omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan. Although the chatbots’ meal plans generally met most dietary reference intakes (DRI), the study found that vegan diet plans “concerningly” lacked advice on essential nutrients like vitamin B12, which is critical for nerve function, blood formation, and neurological processes. The authors explain that ChatGPT suggested using vitamin B12 supplements for vegan diets in five out of 18 instances. Meanwhile, Gemini never recommended them and erroneously included milk products in vegan plans. Sam Tucker, the developer of VEG3, a vegan and animal …

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Heura Fish in wrap

Image courtesy of Heura

Catalonia’s Alternative Protein Sector on the Rise with €269 Million in Revenue

A recent report on the alternative protein sector in Catalonia by the public agency Catalonia Trade & Investment reveals that the industry comprises 103 companies employing nearly 1,000 people and collectively generating €269 million in revenue. With a global market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, the report says Catalonia is well-placed to capitalize on this immense opportunity with its community of food innovators, from small startups to established meat and dairy companies to ingredient suppliers. The authors note that despite recent economic uncertainties, the outlook for the plant-based sector remains positive due to sustained consumer demand, growth in emerging markets, and innovative product improvements. “In 2023, the market revenue generated by meat substitutes (plant-based meat) in the European Union (EU-27) amounted to about US$ 1.96 …

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A man holding multiple NotMilk products

© NotCo

Word-of-Mouth is Key Channel in Success of Plant-Based Milks, Finds Study

Research on US consumer preferences for plant-based milk, conducted by New Zealand’s Lincoln University, has found that plant-based milk enthusiasts actively promote these alternatives through word-of-mouth, making them valuable allies in marketing. The study — focused on US consumers, due to the country’s extensive plant-based milk market — was conducted by Dr. Meike Rombach, Dr. Lei Cong, and Associate Professor David Dean and published in Beverages, to provide a framework for marketers to promote plant-based milk more effectively. Through a survey, the researchers measured how factors such as animal welfare, environmental concerns, health consciousness, and personal dietary preferences influenced consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk and their propensity to share their views through word-of-mouth, particularly on social media. “Willingness to try is a low-commitment response …

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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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A new study about masculinity and veganism found that using masculine language to describe vegan dishes sparked men's interest in this type of food.

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University Canteen Sees Sustained Drop in Meat Consumption Weeks After Meat-Free Month

In May, the Studierendenwerk (student’s office) at Germany’s University of Bonn declared a meat-free month in its Hofgarten canteen. Up to eight weeks after the experiment ended, researchers saw a surprising result — sales of main meal components containing meat remained 7-12% lower than they were before the meat-free month. According to a working paper published by the researchers, many students and staff members were pleasantly surprised by the meat-free dishes, discovering new options that they enjoyed. Consequently, they opted to order these meals again in the following weeks, indicating that even a short-term intervention can lead to significant behaviour change. Around half of people surveyed following the experiment said they would be happy to have one meat-free month per year, while 75% were in …

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