Upside Foods, a US cultivated-chicken business, is undergoing workforce reductions, with reports indicating around 26 job cuts and a downsizing of the management team. The company’s spokesperson stated, “Upside is focused on our next chapter of scale and commercialization, making adjustments to certain programs and positions to remain agile in an uncertain macroenvironment.”
Upside Foods and Good Meat are the only US companies with regulatory approval from the US Department of Agriculture for their cultivated-meat products. Despite this milestone, Upside Foods recently ended a foodservice contract with Bar Crenn restaurant in San Francisco, California. The company had been serving its cell-based chicken at the fine-dining venue since July 2023 through monthly dinner services developed in collaboration with French chef Dominique Crenn.
Regarding regulatory approval for full commercialization at the retail level, an Upside Foods spokesperson mentioned they are currently in the process. This update comes after the company announced the postponement of plans for a new factory in the US. The Illinois-based facility was designed to be the company’s first large-scale factory, with the capacity to produce millions of pounds of cultivated-meat products annually.
Transitioning to a broader perspective, the food and beverage industry trends indicate a shift towards alternative protein sources like cultivated meat. This shift aligns with evolving food and drink consumer trends that prioritize sustainability and ethical food production practices. As companies like Upside Foods navigate challenges and opportunities in this dynamic landscape, staying informed on industry insights and developments is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
