The potential impact of cultured meat on the meat industry and the environment

Abstract

The meat industry is facing transformation. Besides already existing plant-based substitutes, a new alternative from the laboratory is moving increasingly closer to the market. Cultured meat has emerged as a game-changing technology for the global food business, with the potential to address severe environmental, climate, global public health, and animal welfare issues. The dissertation examines the potential of cultured meat being a substitution threat for conventionally produced meat. In addition, a scenario analysis highlights the environmental impact of cultured meat in the meat industry. To answer the research questions, a qualitative study methodology is applied in the form of semi-structured expert interviews and an examination of the secondary literature. The results indicate that cultured meat poses a significant substitution threat for conventionally produced meat starting in 2030. Although cultured meat is a sustaining innovation, the impact on the meat industry is powerful since the phenomenon exploits its characteristics by addressing the world's driving concerns about the environment, health, and food security. Before cultured meat becomes reality, it still must surmount several challenges, such as regulatory barriers, technological progress, and the associated price parity. Nevertheless, the scenario analysis points out that cultured meat could substantially enhance the environmental footprint of the meat sector.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Peter V. Rajsingh (Supervisor)