In a groundbreaking development, cultivated meat has made its way onto store shelves in Singapore for the first time. This revolutionary meat, grown without the slaughter of animals, is now available for purchase at Huber’s Butchery since May 16. The product can be found on Good Meat’s website.
Prior to this milestone, cultivated meat was only accessible in small quantities at upscale restaurants in the USA and Singapore. Now, consumers can buy it at a retail store in Singapore, though there is a catch – the chicken available at Huber’s Butchery contains only 3% animal cells, with the rest being plant proteins.
While some may view this as deceptive, anticipating a meat alternative that is entirely animal-based, it is important to note that the high costs associated with growing animal cells currently make this blended approach the most economically feasible. By incorporating predominantly plant proteins alongside animal cells, production costs can be reduced, allowing for quicker market entry.
Despite containing a small percentage of animal cells, products like pastes, sausages, and meatballs that combine plant proteins with animal cells have already garnered praise for their taste and texture. However, some skepticism surrounds Good Meat’s chicken, as it only contains 3% animal cells, calling into question its superiority over purely plant-based alternatives.
Good Meat asserts that its product has received positive feedback regarding taste, texture, and appearance, but the true quality compared to traditional chicken or plant-based substitutes remains to be seen. The initial sales in Singapore may not provide a comprehensive outlook on the future of cultivated meat, especially as interest in plant-based products has waned.
Priced at 7.20 Singapore dollars (approximately $5.35) for 120 grams, Good Meat’s chicken comes at a premium compared to similar products available in supermarkets. This steep cost could hinder mass demand, despite potential consumer interest.
As the cultivated meat industry is still in its infancy, retail sales serve not only to reach consumers but also to attract investor attention. Securing funding for startups in this sector has become increasingly challenging, making positive sales news crucial for drawing new investments.
Ultimately, the success of cultivated meat will hinge on the industry’s ability to lower production costs and offer products that captivate consumers. Further research and time will be necessary to draw definitive conclusions on this innovative alternative to traditional meat production.