AN EXPERT ANALYSIS OF CELL CULTURE: PROMISES AND LIMITATIONS OF AN EMERGING INNOVATION

Cell culture is often presented as a major technological advance. In your opinion, how does it represent a real opportunity to rethink the food of tomorrow?
It is, of course, a technological advance, but it will only be a major one when the consumable and marketable supply exists. And that is not yet the case. But the future moves fast, a few start-ups are making progress and we need to prepare for the short and medium term.

Your study entitled: ‘Trend focus #75 cell culture February 2025’ shows a growing interest in this technology, both from investors and industrial players. What do you think explains this enthusiasm? For investors, it's the possible return on investment; for industrial players, it's the concern of not arriving too late. In terms of innovation, there is often a premium for those who have been able to anticipate by investing in the future.

Pioneers such as Good Meat have already launched products in the United States, Singapore and Israel. Can we expect similar initiatives to emerge in Europe in the near future?
Yes, once again, what has been announced is often the result of a communication operation aimed at investors to raise funds successfully. Personally, I have never been able to see or taste these products. I am curious to know the opinion of those who have had this chance… yes, there are European start-ups working on these subjects. We can trust them to move forward quickly.

How do consumers perceive cell culture according to your observations? Do you see a generational, cultural or ethical divide in this acceptance?
Generally speaking, consumers don't know what it represents. The generational divide is not in the acceptance or non-acceptance of cell culture but in the desire to limit our meat consumption, which is more developed among younger people.

What short- and medium-term prospects do you see for French or European companies that would like to position themselves in the cell culture market?
I have every confidence in the French and European companies that have the expertise and the means to move forward. The potential is significant.