Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), one of the world’s leading integrated agro-industrial and food businesses, announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Future Meat Technologies, a leading cultured meat company.
CPF and Future Meat Technologies aim to develop hybrid cultured meat products for the Asian market, matching the unique consumer preferences of the Asian continent and leveraging the company’s knowledge of the market demands and vast distribution network in the region. The announcement comes months after Future Meat Technologies launched the world’s first cultured meat production line just south of Tel Aviv, Israel, capable of producing up to 500 kg of products a day.
Future Meat products are uniquely non-GMOs (genetically-modified organism) as their technology allows chicken, lamb, pork, and beef cells to grow forever without the use of genetic modification. Proprietary engineering technology, also allows the company to produce cultured meat products for less than $16 per lb.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO at CPF, said: “Since the launch of CPF’s plant-based products under the Meat Zero brand last year, we have received exceptional recognition from the market, both in Thailand and Asia. This year we will be rolling out to other parts of the world, including the US and Europe. Cultured meat is another exciting technology, having the same sustainability and animal welfare proposition as plant-based meat. It can also offer new properties to satisfy future consumer needs and will be a key part of our ambition to be one of the leading alternative protein companies. Future Meat is one of the technology leaders in this field, and we are excited to be working with them to combine our expertise and deliver exceptional products for the Asian markets.”
“We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to expand our activity and to work in Asia,” said Prof. Yaakov Nahmias, the company’s President and founder. “Our technology is uniquely suited to meet the rising demands for quality protein in Asia. At a time of dwindling environmental resources, it is time to meet this challenge head on to secure a future for all coming generations.”
Moses Talbi, EVP Finance & Business Development at Future Meat, further commented: “We are eager to partner with CPF, a world leading food company which truly believes in delivering quality products while maintaining the sustainability of our plant. Future Meat is proud to embark on this partnership.”