Meatly, a UK-based innovator in the cultivated meat industry, has teamed up with THE PACK, a brand known for its plant-based pet foods, to launch what they believe to be the world’s first pet food made with cultivated meat. This new offering, called Chick Bites, blends plant-derived ingredients with Meatly’s cultivated chicken, presenting a contemporary option for traditional dog treats. A limited release is set to debut on February 7 at the Pets at Home store in Brentford, London. Notably, Pets at Home is one of Meatly’s largest supporters and is making history as the first retailer globally to provide pet food that incorporates cultivated meat, underscoring its dedication to sustainability.
Future Plans and Funding
Looking to the future, Meatly is gearing up to secure additional funding aimed at expanding its production capabilities and increasing the availability of its cultivated chicken products. More partnerships with both THE PACK and Pets at Home are also in the pipeline.
Owen Ensor, CEO of Meatly, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of cultivated meat on the pet food market. He emphasized the value of collaborating with THE PACK and Pets at Home, highlighting that Meatly may only represent a small slice of the European cultivated meat investment sector, but it stands as a pioneer in the UK and EU. Ensor committed to proving that cultivated meat is a practical and affordable market choice.
Regulatory Achievements and Safety Trials
In a significant regulatory achievement, Meatly secured UK government approval last year to incorporate its cultivated chicken into pet food, making it the first company in the UK to obtain such permission. Preliminary feeding trials with dogs later in 2024 confirmed the safety of the cultivated chicken, with no adverse effects noted. An interesting find was that most dogs preferred the Chick Bites to their regular diet.
On the funding front, Meatly announced the successful completion of a funding round, attracting investments from prominent firms such as dsm-firmenich Venturing, JamJar Investments, and Joyful Ventures, alongside ongoing endorsement from Pets at Home. This financial boost will support the introduction of their first brand partner.
Growth of THE PACK
Meanwhile, THE PACK has enjoyed remarkable growth, reporting a 41% increase in revenue during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. The company has welcomed over 200 customers who regularly order directly from them and has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to fuel its expansion plans.
Damien Clarkson, the CEO and co-founder of THE PACK, highlighted the launch of Chick Bites as a pivotal moment for the pet food industry. He noted that cultivated meat could transform the sector by offering a delicious, low-carbon protein source, which may help reduce dependence on traditional animal farming practices.
Source: Vegconomist