Israeli cellular agriculture company Aleph Farms has announced its collaboration with local partners in Thailand, including local conglomerate Thai Union, to develop regionally adapted versions of its cultivated beef steak. This initiative follows the company’s recent regulatory application in the country. The application was submitted to BIOTEC, a government agency under the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responsible for evaluating the safety of cultivated meat products.
Recognizing the novelty of cultivated meat for regulatory authorities, the company is maintaining ongoing discussions with relevant agencies to ensure transparency and cooperation. The submission represents a key step toward securing approval, aiming to enable the sale of Aleph Cuts in Thailand. The decision process is expected to take approximately 18 months, though this timeframe may vary.
Thai Union has played a key role in guiding Aleph Farms through the regulatory framework. Thailand was selected as a strategic market due to its rich culinary heritage, advanced food production capabilities, and strong commitment to sustainability. The country’s growing novel food sector and the presence of established local partnerships further support this decision.
Efforts are underway to adapt Aleph Cuts to suit Thai cuisine and consumer preferences. Although awareness of cultivated meat remains limited in Thailand, this presents an opportunity to educate consumers on its benefits. Initially, Aleph Cuts will be introduced in premium foodservice establishments. Plans are also in progress to establish a production facility in Thailand, ensuring scalable and sustainable operations. The company has already received regulatory approval in Israel and has submitted applications in multiple other countries.
(Source: FoodNavigator-Asia)
