So many fantastic stories this week that, once again, it’s difficult to know what to bring you first! Check out our website to read much more than we can list below.

First up, though, it has to be the news from a friend of the platform that delighted us. The plant-based protein sector received a significant boost this week with a 'No Questions Letter' from the FDA for this company’s Rhiza mycoprotein.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) published a report titled ‘Culture Clash? What cultured meat could mean for UK farming’, which examines how cultured meat might affect UK farmers.

Meanwhile, two University of Waterloo students are leveraging AI to understand fish cell growth for large-scale, sustainable cultured seafood production. Their research aims to optimize cell behavior, create fish species profiles, and develop models for animal-free growth media and efficient cell production.

Alt-meat struggles to compete with real meat on price and taste. Learning from electric vehicles, the industry needs innovation, investment, and government support to bring down costs and create tastier options. This could revolutionize food with sustainable, customized protein, according to one industry consultant.

We were also excited to hear that VBites has acquired Alternative Stores, boosting their online presence and product range. This move could benefit both companies and smaller vegan brands, potentially leading to a more competitive and accessible vegan market.

Dutch supermarkets are ramping up plant-based protein options, with a goal of 60% by 2030. This follows an animal rights campaign and reflects changing consumer preferences. This shift benefits animal welfare, sustainability, and offers consumers more choices.

As usual, there’s much more online, and don’t forget to follow our LinkedIn page for the stories as they go live…

🚗 Boston Consulting Group report: alternative protein industry takes cues from EV industry for growth

🐄 UK's Royal Agricultural University publishes pioneering cultured meat research

🍄 The Better Meat Co. scores landmark FDA approval for Rhiza mycoprotein

🎙️ The Future of Protein Production heads to Amsterdam for cutting-edge alt-protein event

🌱 Korean researchers at Yonsei University crack the code for flavorful alternative meat

🥩 University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers achieve realistic marbling with innovative lipid incorporation

🍕 Leprino Foods and Fooditive Group sign exclusive agreement to commercialize non-animal casein worldwide

🦐 Big Idea Ventures dives into plant-based seafood with Bayou Best Foods

🛒 Dutch supermarkets set ambitious plant-based protein goals

The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam is Europe's meeting place for accelerating the commercialization of alternative proteins. The conference and exhibition will showcase more than 40 exhibitors, over 100 speakers and bring together more than 400 people.

The preliminary agenda is out now. Book now to get the ‘Early Bird’ rate and save more than €300!