Cultivated meat has become one of the most promising alternatives for protein production in Europe. According to a study by the consultancy Systemiq for the Good Food Institute (GFI), cultivated meat could contribute between €20 billion and €85 billion annually to the European economy.
This is one of the most striking figures regarding the expectations generated by this food innovation, which will also be key to boosting the economy and transforming meat consumption worldwide. However, cultivated meat also faces significant challenges. How can the scale of cultivated meat be explained in numbers?
Economic and employment potential of cultivated meat
In addition to the economic volume that cultivated meat could generate in terms of business, it is estimated that its development could create up to 90,000 new highly skilled jobs by 2050.
These jobs would not only focus on food production but would also cover areas such as biotechnology research, bioreactor development, quality control, and food safety. Training specialized professionals will be essential for the sector to consolidate and grow sustainably.
Figures on production costs and funding
Developing cultivated meat requires significant investment. The previously cited report estimates that the EU will need €5 billion annually for funding until 2050, of which €500 million should come from public funds. These resources are essential to drive research and development (R&D), build appropriate infrastructure, and expand the supply chain, making large-scale production possible.
Current production costs are one of the biggest challenges for cultivated meat to compete with conventional meat. Strategic funding will enable the development of more efficient technologies, optimize bioreactors, and reduce the cost of culture media. Only with these advances will cultivated meat become a viable option for European consumers in terms of price and accessibility.
Pioneering countries and early culinary experiences
Several countries are leading the introduction of cultivated meat, demonstrating how this innovation can become a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional livestock farming. According to a study by the Univeristy of Parma, Singapore, The United States, and Israel are pioneers in turning cultivated meat into a real gastronomic experience.
Regarding the culinary experience, a report by Astute Analytica published on GlobeNewswire states that more than 300 experimental dishes made with cultivated meat have already been served in various restaurants worldwide. These pilot meals have allowed for testing flavors, textures, and public acceptance beyond sales.
Towards a sustainable and competitive market
The economic boost of cultivated meat is not only based on investment or employment figures but also on its ability to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional meat production. Reducing environmental impact, avoiding animal slaughter, and creating safe, high-quality products are factors that could attract an increasingly environmentally and health-conscious audience.
Moreover, continued investment in R&D and the necessary infrastructure would allow Europe to establish itself as a benchmark in this technology. This would generate competitive advantages both in exporting innovative products and attracting specialized professionals to the sector.
An investment for the future
Cultivated meat has enormous economic and social potential but requires overcoming significant challenges in funding and production costs. The combination of optimal investment, along with technological and scientific advances, will be key for this food alternative to move from an experimental project to a reality in the European market.
At Biotech Foods, we believe that cultivated meat will not only transform the food industry but also set a new standard of sustainability, innovation, and well-being for future generations.
