Future Meat Technologies, an Israeli cultured meat company, claims to have reduced the production cost of a 4-oz. cultured (but partially plant-based) chicken breast to $7.50. The company also raised an additional $26.75 million in funding through its strategic partners, enabling it to scale up its production and accelerate research and development.

Future Meat Technologies says its cultured chicken breast provides the same texture and aroma of farm-raised chicken meat through a unique blend of cultured chicken and plant proteins. The company plans to market its products to consumers and restaurants within 18 months.

The company counts among its investors some significant names in agriculture and even meat processing – Tyson Foods, ADM, Müller Group and Rich Products Corp. – as well as venture capital firms.

“Cultured meat technology is the Apollo program of the 21st century,” said Prof. Yaakov Nahmias, founder and chief scientific officer. “It required massive efforts of biologists, chemists, engineers and food experts to reduce the cost of cultured meat by over 1,000-fold in just a few years. We are proud to be within reach of cost parity with traditional agriculture without any need to resort to genetic engineering.”

Future Meat Technologies creates "meat" produced directly from animal cells, without the need to raise or harvest animals. The company’s proprietary technology is based on the rapid natural proliferation of connective tissue cells growing in stainless steel fermenters that continuously remove waste products to maintain a constant physiological environment.

Future Meat Technologies expects its pilot facility to start production in the first half of 2021 and is currently seeking regulatory approval in several territories. The company claims its ability to produce cultured fat is a major advantage, as it doesn’t need to rely on palm oil or high sodium levels to mask the flavor of plant proteins like other players in the industry.

In addition to cultured chicken, the company is also developing cultured lamb kebabs and beef burgers.

Another leader in cultured meat, although focusing on beef, also is from Israel. Aleph Farms recently signed a deal with Mitsubishi to bring cultured meat to Japan at some point in the future.