Cultured Meat Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Cultured Meat Market was valued at USD 0.15 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2024 to 2030. The market is expected to reach USD 0.49 billion by 2030.

Cultured meat, also known as lab-grown or cell-based meat, involves producing meat products by culturing animal cells in controlled environments, without the need to slaughter animals. As a sustainable and innovative alternative to conventional meat, cultured meat is gaining traction due to concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and food security. The growing population, coupled with rising demand for alternative protein sources, is expected to drive significant growth in this market.

Key Market Insights:

Cultured meat offers the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as livestock farming contributes nearly 15% of global emissions.

Investment in cultured meat startups has grown exponentially, with over USD 1 billion invested in 2023 alone, signaling strong interest from venture capital and the food industry.

Regulatory approvals are gradually advancing, with Singapore being the first country to approve cultured chicken for sale in 2020. The U.S. and EU are expected to follow suit in the near future.

Technological advancements in bioreactors and tissue engineering are improving the scalability and reducing production costs of cultured meat, making it more competitive with traditional meat products.

Rising consumer awareness about the environmental and ethical concerns associated with conventional meat production is driving market demand for cultured meat.

Major players in the traditional meat industry, such as Tyson Foods and Cargill, are investing in cultured meat companies to diversify their protein portfolios. Cultured meat's potential in addressing global food supply challenges positions it as a critical component of future sustainable food systems.

Global Cultured Meat Market Drivers:

Environmental Sustainability Concerns are driving market growth: The traditional meat industry has been identified as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water usage. With global efforts to mitigate climate change, the search for more sustainable food sources has intensified. Cultured meat presents an attractive solution due to its potential to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of meat production. It requires far fewer natural resources like land and water compared to traditional livestock farming. The cultivation of meat in a controlled environment can also minimize waste and reduce emissions by up to 96%. The pressing need to tackle environmental challenges is expected to be one of the primary drivers of the cultured meat market's growth.

Animal Welfare and Ethical Consumption is driving market growth: Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the ethical issues surrounding animal farming, including animal cruelty and inhumane treatment. Cultured meat, which does not involve animal slaughter, aligns with the growing consumer demand for cruelty-free and ethical food products. This shift in consumer preferences, particularly among younger generations, is driving the market for lab-grown meat. Organizations that focus on animal rights, such as PETA, have actively promoted cultured meat as a humane alternative to traditional meat. As awareness continues to spread, more consumers are expected to opt for cultured meat, which could drive substantial market growth.

Technological Advancements and Cost Reduction are driving market growth: Early in the development of cultured meat, high production costs were a significant barrier to commercialization. However, recent advances in biotechnology, tissue engineering, and bioreactor design have contributed to substantial cost reductions in producing cultured meat. For instance, the cost of producing lab-grown beef has dropped from USD 325,000 in 2013 to approximately USD 50 per pound in 2023. These improvements are helping cultured meat edge closer to price parity with conventional meat, making it a viable option for mass-market consumers. As the technology continues to evolve, further cost reductions are anticipated, spurring greater market adoption.

Global Cultured Meat Market Challenges and Restraints:

Regulatory Hurdles are restricting market growth: One of the most significant challenges faced by the cultured meat market is the regulatory landscape. Since this is a new and emerging industry, food regulatory bodies across the globe are still in the process of developing frameworks to assess the safety and production standards for lab-grown meat. While Singapore was the first to approve cultured meat, many major markets such as the U.S., EU, and China are still deliberating regulatory guidelines. The time-consuming nature of regulatory approvals can delay market entry, especially in regions where bureaucratic processes are more complex. Additionally, ensuring product safety and consumer confidence will be critical once regulatory approval is granted.

Consumer Acceptance is restricting market growth: Although awareness about cultured meat is rising, there remains a portion of consumers who are skeptical about lab-grown products. Concerns about taste, texture, safety, and the perceived "unnatural" process involved in producing cultured meat can deter some potential customers. Education and marketing efforts will be necessary to address these concerns and build consumer trust in cultured meat. Overcoming this psychological barrier will require time, as it involves changing deeply ingrained cultural and dietary habits, particularly in markets where meat consumption has a long-standing traditional value.

Market Opportunities:

The Global Cultured Meat Market presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in the context of sustainability and food security. As the global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, there is a growing need for alternative protein sources to meet future food demand. Cultured meat offers a solution that can be scaled without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with conventional meat production. For developing regions where food security is a critical issue, lab-grown meat can serve as a sustainable and reliable protein source that reduces dependency on livestock farming, which is prone to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, partnerships between biotech firms and food industry giants can accelerate the commercialization of cultured meat products, making them more accessible to consumers. With continued investment in R&D, improvements in taste, texture, and price could further bolster demand and open up new market segments, including premium food products and niche markets catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

CULTURED MEAT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Cultured Meat Market Segmentation: By Product

• Beef

• Poultry

• Pork

• Seafood

• Others

Poultry is expected to dominate the cultured meat market due to its high consumer demand and its relatively easier production process compared to other meat types. Poultry products are versatile and widely consumed globally, making them a priority for cultured meat producers.

Cultured Meat Market Segmentation: By Application

• Nuggets

• Burgers

• Meatballs

• Sausages

• Others

Burgers are expected to dominate the cultured meat market in terms of application. The demand for burger patties is high due to their popularity in fast food chains and restaurants, making them an ideal product for cultured meat companies to target first.

Cultured Meat Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

North America is expected to dominate the global cultured meat market due to strong investment in R&D, technological advancements, and growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical food alternatives. The region's progressive regulatory environment and the presence of key cultured meat companies like Memphis Meats and Eat Just also contribute to its market leadership.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Cultured Meat Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the cultured meat market, presenting both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the disruptions in traditional meat supply chains exposed the vulnerabilities of conventional meat production, sparking a heightened interest in alternative protein sources, particularly cultured meat. With meat shortages and rising prices during lockdowns, consumers and businesses began to view lab-grown meat as a more resilient and sustainable choice. This shift in perception opened doors for cultured meat as an appealing solution for those concerned about food security. Conversely, the pandemic also hindered research and development efforts in the cultured meat sector. Lockdowns and the redirection of funding towards urgent public health initiatives led to delays in regulatory processes in various regions. These setbacks slowed the pace of innovation and market readiness for cultured meat products. Despite these challenges, the pandemic ultimately increased awareness of food security issues, positioning cultured meat as a viable solution for future crises. As consumers and industries recognize the need for sustainable protein alternatives, cultured meat is emerging as a crucial player in the ongoing conversation about food supply resilience. The lasting impact of COVID-19 on the cultured meat market highlights the importance of diversifying food sources and the potential for lab-grown meat to address both current and future challenges in global food systems.

Latest Trends/Developments:

Several key trends are shaping the cultured meat market as it moves closer to widespread commercialization. First, collaborations between cultured meat startups and large food companies are becoming increasingly common. These partnerships are aimed at accelerating product development and scaling up production capabilities. Secondly, technological advancements in cell culture media and bioprocessing techniques are helping to bring down production costs, making cultured meat more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Another emerging trend is the exploration of hybrid products, which combine cultured meat with plant-based proteins to create innovative food items that cater to diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, consumer education campaigns and marketing efforts are gaining traction to address concerns about the safety and sustainability of lab-grown meat. Governments are also showing increasing interest in supporting the development of the cultured meat sector through research grants and regulatory frameworks, signaling a bright future for the industry.

Key Players:

1. Memphis Meats

2. Eat Just

3. Mosa Meat

4. Aleph Farms

5. Future Meat Technologies

6. BlueNalu

7. Meatable

8. Higher Steaks

9. SuperMeat

10. New Age Meats