the idea of cultured meat – meat produced in a lab without killing animals – has a clear future. the fact that the first company pursuing this by far originated in spain and invested a substantial sum signals serious momentum in the sector.
basque-based Biotech Foods plans to open the first industrial plant in donostia dedicated to cultured meat production, a project that would place it among the early large-scale facilities in europe. the company described a 2024 opening timeline for a site roughly 11,000 square meters in size, centralizing all Biotech Foods operations that had previously run from smaller temporary facilities.
how to make meat
what is the production process behind this type of meat? it starts with obtaining a small sample of animal muscle cells through a biopsy. those cells are then replicated on an industrial scale. the tissue moves into steel bioreactors, where the cells receive essential nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and oxygen. over time, the tissue grows into a coherent mass known as cultured meat.
Biotech Foods currently works with cattle, with ambitions to expand to poultry and pigs in the near future. once growth begins, the tissue expands until it forms a substantial mass of cultured meat.
the appeal of this approach includes sustainability gains. it reduces land and water usage compared with traditional agriculture and lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal farming. the process also enables high production levels with far fewer animals involved. for Biotech Foods, a single biopsy can yield enough tissue to produce the equivalent of multiple animals, producing a product that is leaner, free from antibiotics, and free from the need for sacrificing animals.
meat obtained through lab techniques is a core part of the production narrative. this approach aims to deliver real meat while addressing animal welfare and environmental concerns.
the destination for the cultured material is primarily for use by manufacturers in processed foods such as sausages, burgers, and meatballs, among other products.
the market outlook is bullish, with industry voices describing strong growth prospects over the next decade. Biotech Foods has signaled ambitions to scale its workforce to around 150 within the medium term as demand grows and production capacity expands.
the Basque company is pursuing collaborations with potential customers including Aldelis, Sigma Alimentos, Argal, and Martínez Somalo. its investor roster features IBS, a major global meat-protein company from brazil. ibs has emerged as a key shareholder for the project, though exact share details were not disclosed in recent coverage.
projections suggest that by 2032 a notable portion of the planet’s protein could come from cultured systems, attracting more investment worldwide as producers explore this route.
for further information on environmental considerations within this sector, a representative contact from the company’s environmental department was provided for inquiries.