Aleph Farms grows meat directly from beef cells using a 3D tissue engineering platform. In December 2018, it grew a steak directly from bovine cells.
The business plans to begin building bio-farms and move toward a limited consumer product launch with steak grown under controlled conditions within three to five years.
“Cargill is committed to innovation and we are delighted to be a part of Aleph's accelerated growth,” said Sonya Roberts, managing director of growth ventures and strategic pricing for Cargill Protein North America. “This partnership connects new frontiers in cell-based technology with insights in the global food system and supply chains to meet future customer and consumer needs.
“Consumer demand for protein continues to be very strong. That means there’s an opportunity for plant and cultured protein growth to complement our traditional animal protein portfolio,” added Roberts.
This investment in Aleph Farms builds on Cargill's other partnerships in the alternative protein market. In 2017, Cargill invested in cultured meat company Memphis Meats. Cargill is also an investor in plant-based protein through Puris, a firm that has launched a new pea-based protein that is non-GMO, organic and allergen-friendly.
Jon Nash, president of Cargill Protein-North America, added: “We all need to work together to address the increasing global need for protein in the coming years, especially as more consumers move into the middle-class and the demand for protein increases. We have a responsibility to look at all innovations that can help us feed the world. We believe in the power of protein and the critical role animal protein will continue to play in nourishing the world for the long-term.”
In June, GlobalMeatNews will host The Future of Plant-based Proteins Conference in Amsterdam. Featuring presentations from the European Plant-based Food Association, The Good Food Institute and Finnebrogue, it will discuss all elements of the plant-based sector. To book your place, click here.
