Israel-based cultivated meat company, Aleph Farms announced it has begun the regulatory approval process to commercialize their premium ‘Angus-style’ thin cultivated steak in Switzerland, making it the first-ever submission for cultivated meat in Europe.
The application was submitted to the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), however, even if Aleph Farms receive novel approval in Switzerland, the EU requires authorization from the European Commission for market placement in the region.
Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain and meat manufacturer, Migros, invested in Aleph Farms back in 2019. The chain played a significant role in evaluating consumer readiness for cultivated meat in Switzerland and supporting Aleph Farms through the regulatory approval process.
Combined research efforts by Aleph Farms and Migros, revealed that 74% of Swiss consumers are curious about cultivating meat with sustainability and animal welfare concerns being the primary motivators. With the Swiss consumers’ adoption of cultivated meat, global awareness and acceptance of cultivated meat would be significantly boosted.
Prior to the approval of the novel food, both companies will work together to develop a commercial strategy to promote and distribute Aleph Cuts in fine-dining food service channels across Switzerland.