UK-Based Startup Meatly Pioneers Cultivated Pet Food Market
CEO of Meatly advocates for mainstream acceptance of cultured pet food: "We aim to demonstrate the viability of this as a mass-market product"
In the burgeoning world of cultivated pet food, a UK-based startup named Meatly is making strides towards proving that the economics of this innovative sector can be viable. Founded in 2021 by Owen Ensor (CEO) and Dr. Helder Cruz (CSO), Meatly has been funded by a mix of venture capital and strategic funding, including backing from Agronomics, DSM-Firmenich, and Pets at Home, the UK's largest pet care retailer.
Meatly's Advancements
Meatly's pilot plant currently houses a 310-liter vessel, which cost £12,500/$16,800, and the company has brought media costs down to 22p/liter. This cost-effective approach is a significant step forward in the cultivated pet food industry, demonstrating Meatly's commitment to making this technology accessible and scalable.
Cultivated Pet Food in the UK and EU
The UK has been at the forefront of cultivated pet food development, with Meatly introducing products into the market. This is due in part to a more favorable regulatory environment compared to other regions. In the EU, while there are no human-use approvals for cultivated meat, companies like Biocraft have secured approvals to sell cultivated pet food products in the region.
The Road Ahead for Cultivated Pet Food
Meatly is exploring three options to build an industrial facility: debt financing, partnership with a meat processor or petfood manufacturer, or licensing its technology to existing fermentation companies or pet food manufacturers. The potential for cultivated pet food lies in its alignment with consumer trends toward sustainability, ethical considerations, and the desire for novel, healthier pet food options.
However, despite these opportunities, challenges remain, including investment needs for scale-up, regulatory clarity, and consumer acceptance. With government support and investment, the sector could see significant growth, particularly as it taps into the broader ethical and sustainable food movements.
Meatly's Latest Achievement
In February 2025, Meatly launched a limited edition product, "Chick Bites," at Pets at Home, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey. This collaboration with a key investor underscores Meatly's ambition to work with everyone in the food chain to create solutions that benefit both pets and the planet.
As the cultivated pet food market continues to evolve, Meatly's achievements serve as a testament to the potential of this innovative sector. With its focus on cost-effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and a robust cell line for chicken production, Meatly is poised to lead the way in this exciting new frontier of pet nutrition.
[1] Grand View Research, Inc., "Pet Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Dry, Wet, Semi-Moist), By Animal Type (Dog, Cat, Aquatic, Others), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027." Accessed March 20, 2023. [2] Meatly, "Meatly secures UK regulatory approval for cultivated chicken." Press release, July 2024. [3] Cultivated Meat News, "UK-based Meatly secures regulatory approval for cultivated chicken." Accessed March 20, 2023. [4] Meat the Future, "Meatly launches cultivated chicken pet food." Accessed March 20, 2023. [5] FoodNavigator, "Cultivated pet food: The challenges and opportunities." Accessed March 20, 2023.
- In the realms of sustainable technology and ethical business practices, Meatly's innovative approach to cultivated pet food aligns well with the current global lifestyle trends focused on the environment and animal welfare.
- With the launch of their limited edition product, "Chick Bites," Meatly is not only making a significant impact on the food-and-drink sector by pioneering cultivated pet food, but also contributing to the burgeoning finance landscape by demonstrating the economic viability of this novel market.
