Investor interest is increasingly being drawn by emerging food trends.
In the world of food production, innovation is brewing, and Singapore-based Turtletree is leading the charge with its groundbreaking process to create milk without cows using stem cells and a bioreactor. This new method could revolutionise the dairy industry, as the CO2 balance of this artificial milk is 98 percent lower than that of conventional milk.
According to McKinsey, the market volume for meat from bioreactors could reach around $25 billion by 2030. This indicates a growing interest in sustainable food sources that cater to a growing global population.
Renowned futurologist Lars Thomsen predicts that in-vitro meat will cost only $30 per kilogram in a few years, becoming comparable in price to meat from the butcher. This forecast, combined with the environmental benefits, suggests a promising future for cell-based food production.
Beyond Meat, a US company, has already made strides in the vegetarian market by developing hamburger patties that closely resemble meat in taste and consistency. Last year, Beyond Meat went public at an IPO price of $25 and is now trading in the range of $125.
Investing in startups operating in new food production trends can be challenging due to their non-existence on the stock exchange. However, investors can also choose established food conglomerates that offer a wide range of rapidly growing vegetarian or vegan products.
Another promising development in food production is vertical farming. This method involves growing plants on several floors in special greenhouses using artificial lighting. Vertical farming is possible even in winter, has lower water consumption, and does not require pesticides.
Oatly, a Swedish manufacturer of oat milk, went public on Wall Street in May with a gigantic valuation. This move indicates a growing investor interest in plant-based food products.
First test restaurants offering artificially produced meat are already in operation. However, the cost of in-vitro meat is currently high due to high energy consumption. Technological advancements may lead to decreasing costs in vertical farming.
Investors can consider investing in suppliers that produce oils or flavors for vegetarian products. Oliver Zastrow, a director at the independent asset manager Albrecht, Kitta & Co. in Hamburg, suggests this as a viable option for those interested in the growing plant-based food market.
Impossible Foods, another key player in the alternative protein sector, is reportedly on the verge of an IPO, either traditionally or via SPAC, with analysts expecting a billion-dollar emission. However, as of mid-2025, no public information on Impossible Foods’ IPO fundraising goals or timeline exists. Impossible Foods is concentrating on plant-based product expansion rather than in-vitro or cell-cultured meat at this time.
In summary, the future of food production is looking promising with advancements in cell-based milk, meat, and vertical farming. Investors interested in this sector can consider various options, from startups to established food conglomerates, and even suppliers of oils and flavors for vegetarian products. However, it's important to stay informed about the specific plans and focus areas of companies in this rapidly evolving industry.
Other technologies, such as vertical farming, could provide sustainable food sources for a growing population, as this method enables growing plants on several floors in special greenhouses using artificial lighting and has lower water consumption and does not require pesticides.
As technological advancements continue, the cost of in-vitro meat could potentially drop, making it comparable to meat from the butcher, providing a promising future for cell-based food production.
