Nestlé has revealed that it is exploring emerging technologies for the production of cultured meat with several external partners and start-ups, including Future Meat Technologies.
The Swiss company says it is closely monitoring scientific trends and evaluating innovative technologies for cultured meat or cultured meat ingredients.
Scientists at Nestlé Research in Lausanne are currently working with Israeli cultured meat start-up Future Meat Technologies; while other start-ups have not been disclosed. The partnership aims to explore the potential of cultured-meat components that do not compromise on taste or sustainability.
The start-up’s proprietary technology can produce non-GMO cultured meat components from animals cells, reducing the need for land and resources to raise animals.
Last month, Future Meat Technologies opened what it claimed to be the world’s first industrial cultured meat production facility in Israel. The facility currently produces cultivated chicken, pork and lamb, and the firm said it is preparing for US launch next year.
Through the new partnerships, Nestlé aims to understand the potential of future meat alternatives – as it hopes to continue transforming its portfolio and roll out more environmentally friendly products.
Over the last few years, Nestlé has made significant investments and product launches in the plant-based meat space including through its Sweet Earth Foods and Garden Gourmet brands.
“For many years we have been investing in our protein expertise and the development of proprietary technologies for plant-based meat alternatives, allowing us to continuously expand our wide range of tasty and nutritious products with a lower environmental impact,” said Reinhard Behringer, head of the Nestlé Institute of material sciences at Nestlé Research.
“To complement these efforts, we’re also exploring technologies that could lead to animal-friendly alternatives that are nutritious, sustainable, and close to meat in terms of taste, flavour, and texture. We are excited to understand their potential.”
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