Lab-grown meat bans in multiple states, but plant-based companies like Tender secure $11m funding. Future of lab-grown and plant-based food profitability in the US questioned. Tesla's mezcal sells out, McDonald's ditches AI drive-thru. Episode explores fake influencers, lab-grown meat challenges, and the rise of fake meat companies.
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Quick takeaways
Lab-grown meat faces bans in some US states, while plant-based startups like Tender secure large funding.
The fake meat industry struggles with market challenges despite addressing environmental concerns and increasing global protein demand.
Deep dives
Florida Bans Lab-Grown Meat, Impact on Fake Meat Industry
Florida recently passed a law banning the production and sale of fake meat, impacting the lab-grown meat industry. This decision aimed to protect the traditional meat industry, expressing concerns about fake meat's healthiness. Despite this, companies like Impossible and Beyond Meat have witnessed a decline in sales, even before the bans. The market for fake meat faces challenges like price competitiveness and shifting consumer preferences.
Tender's Approach to Lab-Grown Meat and Industry Competition
Startups like Tender received $11 million in funding to produce lab-grown meats competitively. Tender focuses on creating muscle-cut products like chicken breasts and steaks, aiming for healthier and better-tasting alternatives. This approach differentiates them from companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which primarily offer ground meat substitutes. The competition in the fake meat industry intensifies as traditional meat suppliers engage in the market.
Environmental Concerns and Future Growth of Fake Meat Industry
The increasing global protein demand, expected to double by 2050, raises environmental concerns about traditional meat production. Fake meat companies could address this demand, but face obstacles like consumer readiness and industry resistance. Lobbying efforts from the food industry pose challenges to the growth of fake meat, despite its potential environmental benefits. The future growth of the fake meat industry hinges on overcoming these obstacles and changing consumer perceptions.
Lab-grown meat got banned in Florida, and other states like Alabama, Arizona and Tennessee are almost there too. Amidst the national backlash though, there are still plant-based meat companies that are securing large funding. Enter Tender, a startup that has a fast food chain contract and over $11m in funding. So what does the future of plant-based and lab-grown food look like and can it be commercially profitable in the US? Plus: Tesla’s mezcal sells out and McDonad’s is done with the AI drive-thru.
Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Mark Dent, as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day.
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