Cultivated meat is reshaping how we produce protein, using animal cells instead of livestock. With its potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions (15-18% globally from traditional farming) and reduce land and water use by up to 99% and 90%, respectively, it's gaining attention worldwide. By 2050, the industry is projected to hit £410 billion as demand for sustainable protein grows by 50%.
Here’s a quick look at the top five countries driving this industry forward:
- United States: Leading in investment (£1,360M by 2024), regulatory approvals, and commercial sales (UPSIDE Foods, GOOD Meat).
- Singapore: First to approve cultivated meat (2020), focusing on food security and innovative regulation.
- China: Largest meat consumer, integrating cultivated meat into food security plans with increasing government funding.
- Israel: High investment per company (£474M total), with regulatory approval for cultivated beef and strong government support.
- Japan: Leveraging biotechnology and precision engineering, with government-funded projects advancing cellular Wagyu beef.
Quick Comparison
| Country | Total Investment (£M) | Key Milestones | Market Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,360 | FDA & USDA product approvals | Commercial readiness, innovation |
| Singapore | 100 | First to approve cultivated meat | Food security, fast regulation |
| China | 26 | Integration in food strategy | Food resilience, consumer demand |
| Israel | 474 | Cultivated beef approval | Tech-driven, high funding |
| Japan | 13 | Cellular Wagyu development | Precision engineering, biotech |
Each country is shaping the future of protein production, addressing food security, environmental concerns, and growing global demand.
1. United States
The United States stands as a global leader in cultivated meat, driving forward with substantial investments, innovative advancements, and a well-defined regulatory framework.
Total Investment Value
The U.S. has channelled significant resources into cultivated meat, with the market size predicted to hit £455 million in 2024 and grow to approximately £8.3 billion by 2034 [6]. North America leads the world in this sector, holding the largest market share of 37% in 2024, with the North American cultivated meat market valued at £168 million in the same year [6].
Key players like Upside Foods, Eat Just, and Believer Meats have attracted major funding from venture capital and private equity firms [4]. This financial momentum supports the country’s strong regulatory framework, ensuring a pathway for innovation and commercialisation.
Regulatory Progress
The U.S. has implemented a dual-agency regulatory system that provides clarity for cultivated meat production. The FDA oversees cell development, while the USDA-FSIS handles food processing for livestock, poultry, and catfish. For non-livestock products, the FDA retains authority over processing and labelling [8][9].
In a landmark moment, UPSIDE Foods received FDA clearance in November 2022, followed by GOOD Meat in March 2023 [8]. By June 2023, both companies had obtained USDA inspection grants, officially allowing them to sell their products commercially [8].
"Foods composed of, or containing, cultivated chicken cell material resulting from the defined production [...] are as safe as comparable foods produced by other methods" - FDA [10]
Government Initiatives
The U.S. government has rolled out initiatives aimed at accelerating cultivated meat development. The FDA offers voluntary premarket consultations for companies, and all manufacturing facilities must register with the agency [9].
The Bezos Earth Fund has committed £48 million to establish the Bezos Centres for Sustainable Protein, aimed at advancing sustainable food solutions [7]. Lauren Sánchez, Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, highlighted the urgency of innovation:
"We need to feed 10 billion people with healthy, sustainable food throughout this century while protecting our planet. We can do it, and it will require a ton of innovation." [7]
Additionally, the Good Food Institute has allocated over £19 million for open-access research, funding 129 grants across 25 countries since 2019 [12]. The organisation New Harvest, supported by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture, contributes to research on cultivated meat safety [13].
Market Readiness
With a robust regulatory framework and substantial financial backing, U.S. companies have successfully entered the commercial market. Both UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat have begun selling cultivated chicken products, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
To ensure transparency, the USDA mandates preapproved labels that include terms like "cell-cultivated" or "cell-cultured" [9][11]. While investment in the sector dropped from nearly £800 million in 2021 to under £160 million in 2023, the established ecosystem of research institutions, government initiatives, and venture capital ensures the U.S. remains well-positioned for future growth and consumer adoption [4].
2. Singapore
Singapore has emerged as a trailblazer in the cultivated meat industry, becoming the first country to approve the sale of these products. Its forward-thinking regulatory framework has attracted companies from across the globe, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation in this field.
Regulatory Progress
In December 2020, Singapore made headlines when the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) approved Eat Just's cultivated chicken for commercial sale. This marked the world's first regulatory green light for cultivated meat after a detailed safety evaluation [14].
The momentum continued in January 2023, with GOOD Meat receiving approval for the use of serum-free media in cultivated meat production. This milestone is expected to significantly lower production costs while improving sustainability [16]. Damian Chan, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board, commented:
"We congratulate GOOD Meat on achieving this milestone in scaling up cultivated meat production. This complements the company's work in Singapore to build and operate its bioreactor facility where over 50 research scientists and engineers will develop innovative capabilities in the cultivated meat space such as media optimisation, process development, and texturisation of cultivated meat products" [16]
By April 2025, Vow became the fourth company to gain SFA approval, introducing its cultivated quail product, Forged Parfait, at Mandala Club's MORI [15]. These regulatory achievements highlight Singapore’s commitment to advancing this sector through both policy and innovation.
Government Initiatives
Singapore has invested around £180 million into alternative proteins, aiming to meet 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 [17]. With over 90% of its food currently imported [19], these investments are crucial for bolstering food security. Recent years have seen significant funding directed towards research in urban food production and food safety innovation [18]. Additionally, the SFA has earmarked approximately £84 million specifically for cultivated meat research [20].
In April 2024, Nurasa, a state-backed initiative, launched a food innovation centre to support food-tech startups with scaling and bioreactor facilities. This centre plays a key role in Singapore’s strategy to establish itself as a leader in food technology [17]. Such government support has accelerated the readiness of cultivated meat for market entry.
Market Readiness
Singapore’s streamlined regulatory processes and focus on technological expertise have made it a magnet for cultivated meat companies worldwide [15]. Its agencies are equipped to fast-track applications while maintaining strict safety standards, making the country highly attractive for innovators.
In May 2024, Eat Just achieved a significant milestone by securing its first retail listing at Huber’s Butchery, making it the first butchery in the world to stock cultivated meat. However, the product currently consists of only 3% cultivated chicken, with the rest being plant-based [1].
George Peppou, co-founder of Vow, credited Singapore’s "speed of approvals" as the key factor behind launching their cultivated quail product there [17]. Similarly, Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, praised the market's openness:
"Singapore's population has always demonstrated a remarkable openness to new technologies in food and elsewhere, making it the perfect marketplace for novel foods like cultivated meats" [17]
With its dedicated Novel Food Regulatory Framework, designed to streamline the evaluation of new proteins, Singapore continues to strengthen its status as a global leader in cultivated meat commercialisation.
3. China
China, the world's largest consumer of meat, is playing a major role in advancing the cultivated meat industry. With the country responsible for 28% of global meat consumption, its government has recognised the importance of cultivated meat in improving food security and reducing reliance on agricultural imports. These priorities are driving China's strong focus on this emerging sector [21].
Total Investment Value
While exact figures for total investments aren't publicly available, there are some notable commitments. In 2020, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the "Green Biological Manufacturing" project, dedicating around £74 million to biomanufacturing research, including £16 million specifically for alternative proteins [21]. More recently, in February 2025, China opened its first fermentation and cultivated meat research centre in Beijing, supported by an investment of roughly £8.7 million. This facility, known as the New Protein Food Science and Technology Innovation Base, is a collaboration between the Fengtai District government and Shounong Food Group. It features a 200-litre cell culture line and a 2,000-litre microbial protein production line [21].
Government Initiatives
China's government has taken several steps to support the growth of cultivated meat. The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–25) prioritised technological advancements in food production, explicitly including cultivated meat. In 2022, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in food production [21][24]. Additionally, a three-year government-funded project focusing on artificial meat manufacturing was launched in 2021, led by Jiangnan University [21].
The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform has also identified cultivated meat as a key component of its 2025–2027 green economy strategy [23]. Cui Xulong, deputy mayor of Fengtai District, expressed the importance of these initiatives:
"The new protein food science and technology innovation base will help complete the transformation of laboratory results into engineering and industrialisation, and lay a good development prospect for the commercialisation of cell-cultured meat." [21]
Regulatory Progress
China is making strides in setting up regulatory frameworks for cultivated meat. The country has joined forces with regulatory bodies from Singapore, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia to form a UN working group aimed at creating global food safety guidelines for cell culture media [5]. Although no applications for cultivated meat have been submitted to the Chinese National Health Commission as of July 2025, the agency is actively working on comprehensive guidelines to ensure high standards are met before products reach the market [25]. Additionally, Chinese public institutions have filed more patents related to cultivated meat than their counterparts in the US and Europe combined, showcasing the country's leadership in this field [5].
Market Readiness
China's readiness for cultivated meat is supported by a mix of consumer openness and ambitious consumption goals. A 2024 survey revealed that 98% of Chinese respondents were willing to increase their intake of plant-based foods when informed about the health and environmental benefits [21]. By 2032, China's cultivated meat market is expected to account for more than 25% of global demand [22]. In 2025, the country's meat alternatives market was valued at over £800 million [22]. Looking ahead, China aims to source 50% of its protein from alternative sources by 2060, with cultivated meat and seafood contributing 10%. Achieving this goal will require the establishment of 1,270 cultivated meat production facilities [21].
Mirte Gosker, managing director of GFI APAC, underscored the importance of China's approach:
"One cannot overstate the significance of Asia's largest economy putting cultivated meat and other novel ingredients at the centre of its national food strategy." [5]
Through these efforts, China is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of cultivated meat on a global scale.
4. Israel
Israel has emerged as a frontrunner in the cultivated meat sector, with its innovative companies setting benchmarks for the industry.
Total Investment Value
Israel accounts for an impressive 24% of global investments in alternative proteins, amounting to roughly £510 million [27]. It also captures 15% of global investments in cultivated meat [30].
Several Israeli companies have secured major funding rounds, reflecting strong investor confidence. For instance, Believer Meats raised around £280 million in a Series B round in 2021, marking one of the sector's largest funding achievements [26]. Aleph Farms has attracted approximately £23 million to advance its cultivated beef technology [26], while BioBetter secured about £8 million in a Series A round in 2022 to tackle the high costs of growth factors [26].
Government Initiatives
The Israeli government has been proactive in supporting the alternative protein industry. In 2022, the Israel Innovation Authority allocated about £14.5 million to the Israel Cultivated Meat Consortium and launched two FoodTech incubators, The Kitchen Hub and Fresh Start. These initiatives aim to nurture early-stage companies and align them with national strategies [27][28].
Recognising the strategic importance of alternative proteins, the government has even integrated this technology into its diplomatic efforts. Projections suggest that ongoing support could generate billions in revenue annually and create an additional 11,000 jobs [28]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly championed this vision:
"Israel will become a powerhouse for alternative meat and alternative protein." [28]
Regulatory Progress
Israel achieved a significant milestone in January 2024, becoming the first country to approve cultivated beef. The Israeli Ministry of Health granted regulatory approval to Aleph Farms for its cultivated beef steaks, branded as Aleph Cuts [29][30]. This approval followed a thorough review under the novel food framework and was formalised through a "No Questions" letter [29].
Dr. Ziva Hamama, head of the Food Risk Management Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of this development:
"This regulatory approval of bovine cell-based food furthers Israel's role as a global leader in cellular agriculture and also underscores the National Food Services in the Ministry of Health's commitment to prioritising public health." [30]
Prime Minister Netanyahu also emphasised the broader impact of this achievement:
"The State of Israel is a trailblazer in this field, and for the food technology companies propelling it forward, their efforts demonstrate both great responsibility and tremendous courage. This news is an enormous success for food security, food safety, climate action and animal welfare." [30]
This regulatory breakthrough sets the stage for cultivated meat to gain traction in the market quickly.
Market Readiness
Israel is home to three of the first eight cultivated meat companies, highlighting its readiness to lead in this space [30]. Companies like Aleph Farms, Believer Meats, and BioBetter are focusing on whole-cut products, reducing costs, and making growth factors more affordable [26].
The country also serves as a strategic launchpad for cultivated meat companies looking to expand into the Middle Eastern market [29]. With a strong regulatory framework, it offers a clear pathway for businesses to establish operations and potentially broaden their reach as regional regulations evolve.
With robust government backing, substantial private investment, cutting-edge regulatory advancements, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Israel is firmly positioned as a pivotal player in the global shift towards cultivated meat.
5. Japan
Japan is stepping into the spotlight as a key player in the cultivated meat industry, combining advanced technology with strong government support.
Government Initiatives
The Japanese government has made significant investments in cell-based meat projects, involving multiple ministries. For instance, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) allocated 300 billion yen in the second supplementary budget for FY2022 to support biotechnology-led manufacturing, including cellular agriculture [31].
Various government entities, such as METI and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), have shown their commitment to biotechnology and cellular agriculture. MAFF, in particular, created the Food Tech Research Group in April 2020 to boost the food industry and enhance food security through advanced technology. This initiative has attracted participation from over 100 companies [33].
One standout example of government backing is the collaboration between Fujimori Kogyo, TOPPAN Holdings, and Shimadzu Corporation. Their project, "Research and Development for Social Implementation of Cellular Wagyu Beef Meat", received public funding from METI via the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), amounting to approximately £7.3 million to support their research [32].
The Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture (JACA) plays a crucial role in connecting the government, industry, and academia. It oversees the "Cellular Agriculture Working Team" under the Food-tech Public-Private Council, hosted by MAFF [31].
These efforts collectively lay the groundwork for accelerating the commercialisation of cultivated meat in Japan.
Market Readiness
With robust state support, Japan is leveraging its expertise in precision engineering to advance cultivated meat production. The country's renowned skills in robotics and precision technology are helping to address regulatory challenges and drive innovation in tissue engineering, creating significant opportunities for cultivated meat [34]. The market for 3D-printed cultivated meat in Japan is expected to grow rapidly, supported by its technological prowess and rich culinary traditions [34].
Companies like Ohayo Valley exemplify Japan's approach by combining traditional Wagyu beef expertise with cellular agriculture to cater to high-end markets, blending heritage with modern innovation [2].
Japan's ageing population and increasing health consciousness are likely to boost demand for high-protein, low-fat meat alternatives. However, challenges remain, including stringent food safety standards and lengthy approval processes. The regulatory framework is still evolving, with Japan working on comprehensive policies to ensure food security and foster consumer trust in cultivated meat [33][34].
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Country Investment Comparison
Investment levels in cultivated meat markets vary widely, with some countries leading the charge while others are steadily emerging. Each nation brings its own strengths to the table, shaped by funding, regulatory milestones, and government strategies. Here's how the key players stack up.
The United States is at the forefront, with an impressive £1,360.24 million raised by 23 companies [35]. This substantial funding has helped secure regulatory approvals for UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat in 2023 [2]. The US also highlights its commitment to research, with the USDA granting £10 million to Tufts University to establish the National Institute for Cellular Agriculture [36].
Israel follows as the second-largest investor, with £474.59 million raised across 9 companies. This averages over £52 million per company, showcasing a targeted funding strategy [35]. The approach has paid off, as Aleph Farms gained regulatory approval for its cultivated beef product, Petit Steak, in January 2024 [1]. Israel's strong tech ecosystem and government support, including startup funding and consortium-building, further strengthen its position.
Singapore, ranked fourth globally, has raised £100.67 million across 6 companies. It holds the distinction of being the first country to approve cultivated meat for commercial sale, a milestone achieved back in December 2020 [2]. Since then, it has remained the only market where consumers can regularly buy cultivated meat products. Singapore's focus on food security and local production targets has helped it maintain this unique advantage, aided by its smaller market size, which allows for quicker regulatory approvals and consumer adoption.
Emerging Asian markets, such as China and Japan, show lower investment levels but strong government backing. China has raised £25.61 million across 3 companies, while Japan has raised £13.16 million across 2 companies [35]. Despite these modest figures, both countries are making strides in biotechnology. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of "developing biological science and technology" to enhance food resilience [36]. Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry allocated 300 billion yen in FY2022 to support biotechnology-led manufacturing, including cellular agriculture [31].
Regulatory progress reflects these investment trends. Singapore leads with established commercial sales, while the US has achieved significant recent approvals. Israel has secured domestic market access, and China and Japan are still building their regulatory frameworks. For instance, Japan is actively investing in biotechnology, while China is integrating cellular agriculture into its broader food security strategies.
Government strategies further highlight the diversity in market approaches. The US focuses on developing research infrastructure, as seen with the USDA's grants. Israel leans heavily on fostering innovation through startup funding and partnerships. Singapore prioritises food security, using its compact market to streamline regulatory processes. However, the US faces challenges, such as state-level bans, including one in Florida in May 2024 [1]. These differences underline that market readiness depends on more than just investment - it also requires a supportive regulatory environment and targeted strategies.
Conclusion
The top five countries investing in cultivated meat are each making strides in their own way to advance sustainable protein production. The United States leads with strong investments and clear regulatory frameworks. Singapore has taken the lead in giving consumers early access to these products. Israel has blazed a trail with key product approvals. China has made notable progress, including the introduction of cultivated quail in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Japan is focusing on biotechnology to drive future advancements.
These achievements highlight how each nation is tackling challenges related to sustainability, innovation, and food security. With global investments pouring in and the market expanding quickly, the cultivated meat industry is projected to reach a value of £20 billion by 2030 [3][37].
On a broader scale, regulatory developments in these countries are setting the stage for cultivated meat to become a regular feature in diets around the world. For UK consumers, the Cultivated Meat Shop is playing a vital role in bridging the gap by offering insights into product options, environmental benefits, and when these products might become widely available.
Together, these efforts are shaping a future where protein production is not only sustainable but also secure, benefiting people across the globe.
FAQs
How do the top five countries differ in their investments and support for cultivated meat?
The top five countries are taking unique paths when it comes to investing in cultivated meat. Singapore, the United States, and Australia have already approved its sale, paving the way for substantial funding and encouraging early adoption in their markets. Meanwhile, China is making waves in innovation, boasting the highest number of patent applications in this sector. The Netherlands has carved out a niche as a leading producer, drawing on its rich agricultural heritage and advanced scientific expertise. In the United Kingdom, the focus has been on government grants aimed at driving research and development, underscoring its dedication to advancing this growing industry.
How does government support help drive the growth of the cultivated meat industry in leading countries?
Government Support in Cultivated Meat Growth
Government backing plays a major role in propelling the cultivated meat industry forward. This support comes in various forms, including funding, regulatory guidelines, and incentives aimed at driving research and technological progress. For instance, countries like Singapore and the United States have already approved the sale of cultivated meat and invested in its development, setting a precedent for others to follow.
These initiatives not only spur innovation but also help build trust among consumers in this rapidly evolving sector. By encouraging partnerships between policymakers, researchers, and businesses, governments are laying the groundwork for cultivated meat to emerge as a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional meat production.
What impact do regulatory advancements in countries like the United States and Singapore have on the global cultivated meat market?
Regulatory Progress in the United States and Singapore
The regulatory landscapes in the United States and Singapore are opening doors for the global expansion of cultivated meat. Singapore holds the distinction of being the first country to approve cultivated meat for commercial sale, setting a benchmark for others. Meanwhile, the United States has also made notable progress with regulatory approvals, creating fresh opportunities for market growth.
These advancements are not just about clearing bureaucratic hurdles - they’re also helping to attract investment and strengthen consumer confidence in the safety and potential of cultivated meat. As more nations introduce similar frameworks, the global market is poised to expand, bringing this forward-thinking food option closer to becoming a regular feature on dining tables worldwide.
