Even in a slow news week, there’s still plenty to report on in the world of alternative proteins.

Before we get into the top stories, though, there’s still time to register for next week’s Ginkgo Bioworks-sponsored webinar, Raising for Research: Financing options for funding fermentation R&D in today’s investing climate, which features a fantastic panel of speakers. Click here to register for this free webinar!

And now onto the news. The biggest story in the past seven days just missed last week’s emailer, but it’s too big to ignore this week: a UK company has made history by becoming the first company in the world to receive regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat for pet food, a groundbreaking achievement places the UK at the forefront of the cultivated meat industry and sets a precedent for other countries. Meanwhile, in the USA, another company is on track to submit a feeding trial design for FDA approval later this month! It’s all happening in the world of alternative pet food.

And all of that was happening as a fierce debate over the future of European food erupted at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) on 15 July, as member states clashed over the role of ‘novel foods’. As the EU grapples with this complex issue, the clash between tradition and innovation is likely to intensify. The outcome will significantly impact the future of European food production and consumer choices.

Last week, World Animal Protection released Moving the Menu 2024, its latest report card evaluating the top 25 US restaurant chains across five popular categories: burgers, chicken, sandwich, coffee/beverage, and Latin/Mexican-inspired. Must try harder, is the general consensus. The report reveals an alarming lack of plant-based by default options at popular chain restaurants and zero meaningful commitments to address their resource-intensive menus, with most chains receiving low grades.

Sad news from Sweden as a pioneer in mycoproteins announced its official filing for bankruptcy. Despite the unwavering commitment of employees, board members, and shareholders, the company has encountered significant financial hurdles that have rendered continued independent operations untenable.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. A leading precision fermentation company secured €14 million (US$15.2 million) new funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program and additional Series A investors advance animal-free egg protein production.

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

🐕 Meatly becomes first ever European company authorized to sell cultivated meat, following UK clearance for its cultivated pet food

🍄 Mycorena declares bankruptcy but seeks new ownership to continue mycoprotein mission

🥚 Onego Bio secures US$15.2 million in new funding to advance animal-free egg protein production

🍔 World Animal Protection new corporate scorecard reveals top restaurant chains are failing animals and the planet

🥓 Morals are key to views on lab-grown meat, University of Edinburgh study highlights

🧀 Consumers open to animal-free alternatives, according to University of Göttingen research

💬 European Union divided over 'novel foods' as Hungary leads opposition

🍄 Why fungi could be key to creating tastier cultured meats and animal-free dairy

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.

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