1. Czech Start-Up Bene Meat Technologies Releases Cultured Meat for Pet Food
2. Belgian Pet Food Producer United Petfood to Launch New Facility in Poland in 2025

Czech start-up Bene Meat Technologies has made a groundbreaking move in the pet food industry by releasing the first samples of its cultured meat for cats and dogs. The company, based in Prague, is now on the lookout for an industry partner to help bring their innovative product to shelves in multiple markets by the end of this year.

At the recent Interzoo 2024 show in Nuremberg, Germany, Bene Meat Technologies showcased cultivated meat chunks in gravy for pets, made using cultivated cells in a laboratory setting. The raw material is produced by gently extracting cells from living animals and growing them in a nutrient-rich medium in bioreactors.

Tomaš Kubeš, the company’s co-founder, expressed their eagerness to collaborate with a pet food producer to process their raw material into pet food and make it available for sale. Vendula Kučerová, the head of sales and marketing strategy, revealed plans to launch the product in the European Union markets initially, with hopes of expanding to other continents in the future.

The unique selling points of Bene Meat Technologies’ product lie in its sustainability, purity, and high protein content, making it an attractive option for pet owners looking for a healthy and ethical alternative. The company is also set to open a new production facility later this year to further develop their cultivated meat for trials and product development.

In a separate development, Belgian pet food producer United Petfood is making strides in expanding its operations with a new production facility in Jedlińsk, Poland. With an investment of PLN 180 million (US$45.5 million), the company aims to increase production capacity and create 120 new jobs at the plant.

United Petfood, known for its high-quality dry and wet pet food products, already operates a plant in Jedlińsk and plans to enhance its capabilities with the new facility. The company’s international footprint includes 24 facilities across multiple countries, supplying products to over 95 markets worldwide.

The pet food industry is witnessing significant advancements and investments, with companies like Bene Meat Technologies and United Petfood leading the way in innovation and expansion. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in the coming months.