US-based alternative proteins manufacturer Eat Just has explained the reasons behind pausing its production of cultivated meat in Singapore. The company’s cell-based meat arm, Good Meat, temporarily halted the sale of cultured chicken to Hubers Bistro diners in the country to prepare for a new phase of selling to consumers. This pause, implemented in December, was to transition to a different selling strategy.
The production of cultivated chicken through a third party in Singapore has never been continuous for Eat Just. Additionally, the planned production facility in eastern Singapore, expected to open in 2023, is currently not operational. The company broke ground on the site in 2022 and intends to open it in the near future.
Despite the pause, Eat Just plans to resume production and service to consumers, in partnership with Huber’s Butchery, very soon. The spokesperson mentioned that they aim to produce more Good Meat chicken in 2024 than in any other year combined. An announcement on the company’s plans for Singapore is expected in the coming weeks as they are still ironing out details.
Since November 2020, Eat Just has operated its cell-based meat unit in Singapore, becoming the first company globally to receive regulatory approval for the sale and distribution of cultivated chicken. In January 2023, they received approval to use “serum-free media” in production, moving closer to achieving price parity with traditional meat.
In terms of regulatory approvals, Good Meat’s products were cleared for sale by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) alongside another local peer, Upside Foods. Eat Just also secured new funding from the non-profit group Ahimsa Foundation to continue improving the quality and profitability of its products.
CEO Josh Tetrick emphasized the challenging nature of their work, stating: “Our work is not easy and not certain but it’s what is required.” The company remains dedicated to advancing the food and beverage industry trends by continually enhancing their products and processes.
