Lab-Grown Meat Could be the Next Big Shift in Indian Food Market

As India’s appetite for meat grows, the shift toward sustainable alternatives is also gaining momentum. Saleem A. Taqvi explores how lab-grown meat or cultivated meat is emerging as a promising solution to address environmental concerns, resource conservation, and ethical considerations.

According to data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, approximately 77% of the country’s population consumes fish, chicken, or other types of meat. The survey further revealed that 83% of men and 71% of women identify as non-vegetarians.

As India’s population continues to grow, so does its demand for meat. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that chicken is the most widely consumed meat in India, with approximately 3.96 million tonnes consumed in 2020 alone. This was followed by buffalo, sheep, and pork, with consumption figures of around 1.05 million tonnes, 0.72 million tonnes, and 0.3 million tonnes, respectively, in the same year.

However, the increasing demand for meat also raises environmental concerns. A joint report by the Vasudha and Shakti foundations estimates that India’s livestock industry contributes over 200 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. In response, scientists and researchers are exploring alternative protein sources, including cultivated (lab-grown) meat.

Lab-grown or cultivated meat is produced using animal cells, typically obtained from biopsies of living animals. These cells are grown in a nutrient-rich medium to form muscle tissue that resembles traditional meat. It has the potential to revolutionize India’s food industry by addressing key challenges related to public health, environmental sustainability, and ethical concerns associated with conventional meat production.

However, realizing this potential requires a well-defined regulatory framework, greater consumer awareness, and substantial investment in infrastructure. With its strong biotechnology sector and thriving startup ecosystem, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in the cultivated meat market as the industry continues to evolve.

A Market on the Brink of Transformation

A survey conducted by Biokraft Foods, a pioneering Mumbai-based biotech startup, underscores this trend. The findings indicate that 60% of Indian consumers are open to consuming cultivated meat, with nearly 46% willing to pay a premium. This signals a significant shift in consumer preferences.

Biokraft Foods is capitalizing on this momentum, planning to introduce 3D-printed cultivated chicken by 2025 at a competitive price of 300 to 350 Rupees per kilogram. The company specializes in 3D bioprinting, precision engineering, and cellular biology to replicate the structure, texture, flavor, and nutritional profile of conventional chicken.

A 2019 cross-country study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems also revealed that 56% of Indian consumers were already inclined to purchase cultivated meat regularly. This positions India alongside major markets like the U.S. and China, with meat demand projected to rise significantly.

“The outlook for cultivated meat in India is promising,” says Kamalnayan Tibrewal, Founder and CEO of Biokraft Foods. “Consumer education will be key in shaping perceptions and building trust.”

In December 2024, Biokraft Foods hosted a formal tasting event in Mumbai, bringing together industry leaders and sustainability advocates, marking a milestone in India’s cultivated meat sector.

Regulation of Cultivated Meat

For cultivated meat—often called ‘smart protein’—to gain widespread acceptance, consumer trust is essential. Regulatory frameworks play a critical role in ensuring safety and transparency. India looks to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to establish guidelines for the industry.

While countries like Singapore, Israel, Hong Kong, and the U.S. have approved cultivated meat for sale, India is still developing regulatory clarity. Industry experts emphasize the environmental benefits of cultivated meat, including significant reductions in carbon emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to conventional livestock farming. According to the Good Food Institute (GFI), these benefits could be transformative.

Regulatory bodies must ensure cultivated meat does not pose unintended health risks. Although not yet explicitly defined within India’s regulatory framework, cultivated meat is expected to be categorized as a novel food under the Approval of Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients Regulations (NSF Regulations), requiring prior FSSAI approval before production or import.

Also Read: Lab-grown meat is now USDA approved

Advancements in Alternative Proteins

Several Indian institutions are diversifying protein sources through new technologies. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has launched a cultivated fish project, while the Department of Biotechnology and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology support research in cultivated meat.

In March 2024, Biokraft Foods partnered with ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) to develop cultivated snow trout and rainbow trout, leveraging 3D bioprinting and customized bioinks.

Similarly, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and National Research Centre on Meat (NCRM) are collaborating to develop “ahimsa meat,” or slaughter-free mutton and chicken grown from stem cells. Government support for these initiatives marks a significant step forward.

Another key player, Clear Meat, is working on cultured chicken meat and has developed a unique culture medium that eliminates the need for fetal bovine serum, enhancing affordability and safety. Their goal is to bring lab-grown minced chicken to market soon. Laurus Bio (formerly Richcore Lifesciences) and Urban FarmsCo are the other noteworthy cultivated meat companies in India.

The Economics of Sustainable Meat

Current cell cultivation technologies originate primarily from the pharmaceutical sector, making production costlier than traditional methods. However, recent breakthroughs suggest cultivated meat could become economically viable.

A study led by Laura Pasitka from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with GEA Group and Believer Meats, demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up cultivated meat production. “Cultivated meat could become more affordable than expected,” Pasitka shared on social media.

Traditional chicken farming requires at least 45 days to rear birds, along with substantial resources for space, feed, energy, and labor. In contrast, Biokraft Foods’ cultivated chicken is produced within three days, enhancing efficiency and quality. Their cultivated chicken breasts combine lab-grown meat with plant-based proteins.

Moreover, Clear Meat Company says it has chosen to focus on chicken because it is one of the most affordable and widely consumed meats in India. Processed chicken currently costs `1000 in the country, while Clear Meat’s mince costs `800-850 to produce. However, the company isn’t going to stop there — it wants to bring down the price even more, making its product significantly cheaper than conventional processed chicken.

Challenges Facing Lab-Grown Meat Companies

Lab-grown meat companies in India face several significant challenges that hinder their growth and market acceptance. These challenges can be categorized into regulatory, economic, technological, and cultural factors.

• Regulatory Uncertainty: A lack of clear regulations creates confusion for manufacturers and investors, making compliance and market entry difficult.
• Safety Standards: Strict safety assessments and labeling requirements add complexity and cost.
• High Production Costs: Growth media, scaffolding materials, and bioreactors make production expensive. While costs are decreasing, they remain a barrier.
• Scaling Limitations: Large-scale production remains a challenge due to infrastructure constraints.
• Consumer Awareness: Lab-grown meat is still a new concept in India, requiring education to build trust and demand.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Dietary habits vary widely across India, and some consumers may be hesitant to embrace cultivated meat.

The Future of Cultivated Meat in India

The cultivated meat sector in India is still in its early stages but holds immense potential. Increasing consumer awareness about sustainability and animal welfare is driving demand. However, overcoming regulatory hurdles and gaining public trust remain key challenges.

Studies have shown that Asian consumers, including Indians, are generally more open to cultured meat than Westerners. The Indian government began promoting the research and development of clean meat last year, and in June of last year.

With continued investment, government support, and technological advancements, cultivated meat could soon become a mainstream option in Indian diets. For traditional meat producers and exporters, the question is clear—adapt or risk obsolescence.

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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