Israel-based Aleph Farms has submitted its first application for regulatory approval of cultivated meat in Thailand, marking a step forward in its efforts to bring its cultivated beef steaks, Aleph Cuts, to market. This marks the first application of its kind in the country and represents a significant step in introducing cultivated meat in Southeast Asia.
The safety dossier was submitted to the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the guidelines of the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for novel foods. The approval process is expected to take approximately 18 months, with the possibility of regulatory clearance by mid-2026. If approved, Aleph Farms plans to market its flagship product, the Petit Steak, under the Aleph Cuts brand in collaboration with Thai Union, a major global player in animal protein and an early investor in the company.
Founded in 2017, Aleph Farms has previously secured the world’s first regulatory approval for cultivated beef in Israel and expanded its regulatory efforts to include submissions in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and now Thailand. The company has raised approximately $140 million in funding from investors such as Cargill, Thai Union, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Aleph Farms has also received recognition from organizations like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations for its work in advancing sustainable food systems.
The Role of Cultivated Meat in Thailand's Food Landscape
Thailand, known for its strong culinary traditions and significant food production industry, offers a receptive environment for cultivated meat products. Referred to as the “Kitchen of the World,” the country has shown interest in food technologies that align with its sustainability goals. Didier Toubia, CEO and Co-Founder of Aleph Farms, commented on the importance of this step: “Thailand’s goals for sustainable food systems and reducing reliance on imported beef align with the potential of cultivated meat to contribute to these efforts.”
The regulatory submission follows nearly a year of work between Aleph Farms, Thai Union, and local regulatory bodies. Yifat Gavriel, Aleph Farms’ Chief of Regulatory Affairs, noted, “This collaboration has been essential in developing the framework for submitting cultivated meat products for review in Thailand.”
Culinary Partnerships to Advance Cultivated Meat
Aleph Farms has engaged chefs and culinary experts to integrate cultivated meat into a variety of cuisines. Chefs such as Marcus Samuelsson and Eyal Shani have collaborated with the company to introduce Aleph Cuts through curated dining experiences and events. In Thailand, Aleph Farms is working with local chefs to ensure its products align with regional tastes and cooking traditions, fostering consumer acceptance.
Addressing Food Security and Sustainability in Southeast Asia
Aleph Farms’ work in Thailand is part of a larger strategy to address food security in Southeast Asia, where rising demand for protein is met with challenges such as limited agricultural land and climate constraints. Cultivated meat provides an alternative to conventional livestock farming, offering a sustainable protein source that complements other agricultural practices.
To support this effort, Aleph Farms is collaborating with Thai Union, BBGI, and Fermbox Bio to establish Thailand’s first cellular agriculture production facility. This facility is intended to streamline production and scale-up efforts for introducing Aleph Cuts to the market, initially targeting fine dining establishments in the region.
The regulatory submission in Thailand highlights Aleph Farms’ focus on creating sustainable food solutions that address regional needs while adhering to cultural and culinary standards. With ongoing collaborations and investments in cellular agriculture, Aleph Farms is contributing to the development of a framework for cultivated meat in Southeast Asia, aiming to support long-term food security and sustainability goals.
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