India hosts first public tasting for cultivated meat as market readies for launch

INDIA – India has held its first public tasting event of cultivated meat, with the possibility of introducing the first commercial cultivated meat products in the country by the end of this year. 

BioKraft, the company behind the tasting, is aiming to position India as a major player in sustainable food technologies, according to Nilesh Lele, a strategic advisor at the firm. 

The company, which uses 3D bioprinting to produce cultivated chicken, is collaborating with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to prepare a regulatory dossier, according to Mrunal Gund, BioKraft’s innovation specialist. 

This move is part of India’s effort to create clear guidelines for the production and sale of such novel foods, similar to those adopted in the US and UK.

Regulatory bodies, while racing to ensure safety, must also consider the environmental benefits of these products, which include reduced carbon emissions, water use, and land consumption. 

BioKraft claims its cultivated chicken process takes just three days to produce, as opposed to the 45 days needed to raise a conventional chicken, resulting in time and resource savings. 

The company’s hybrid chicken breasts, which combine cultivated meat and plant proteins, are also positioned to offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional poultry.

In India, cultivated meat is expected to be categorized as a novel food under the Approval of Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients Regulations. 

As such, companies must seek prior approval from food authorities before launching any production or import activities. 

Regulatory approval is seen as key to ensuring the safety of such foods, with India following the example of other countries in Asia that are developing their regulatory frameworks.

Market situation

Despite the high manufacturing costs associated with the technology, studies indicate that cultivated meat could soon be more affordable than expected. 

Research published in Nature Food suggests that the price of cultivated chicken could fall to US$6.20 per pound using current production methods like perfusion technology.

In India, where 60% of the population consumes meat and chicken is the most popular choice, consumer interest in cultivated meat appears promising.

A study showed that 56% of Indian consumers would likely purchase cultivated meat regularly. 

BioKraft, which has received positive feedback from its public tasting event, plans to expand its production capabilities and potentially explore cultivated seafood as well.

As India moves forward, the focus will be on consumer education, ensuring people understand and trust the technology behind cultivated meat, including its safety and sustainability. 

Feedback from potential consumers has been encouraging, with 59% expressing interest in trying cultivated chicken.

Countries like Singapore, Israel, and the US have already given the green light for cultivated meat products to reach consumers, and India is now working to fast-track its regulatory process to do the same.

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