Key Takeaways:
- Partnership for Alternative Protein: Believer Meats partners with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State University to advance alternative protein production.
- Significant Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has awarded $30 million to establish the center, aiming to address the global protein supply gap.
- Innovative Production Facility: Believer Meats’ new facility in Wilson, N.C., will produce over 26 million pounds of cultivated meat annually and create up to 100 jobs.
- Focus on Commercialization: The collaboration aims to take innovative protein products from discovery to market.
- North Carolina as a Leader: The state is emerging as a leader in the alternative protein industry, building on its agricultural and bioscience history.
Believer Meats and Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein Partner to Advance Alternative Protein Production
Believer Meats, a frontrunner in the cultivated meat industry, has announced a significant partnership with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University (NC State). The center, established through a $30 million award from the Bezos Earth Fund, aims to drive forward the production and commercialization of alternative proteins to address the anticipated global protein supply gap in the coming decades.
Mission to Sustainably Feed Future Generations
Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring future generations can enjoy meat. “At Believer Meats, we are on a mission to make it possible for all future generations to eat meat. We are doing this not only through great product development but also by focusing on the core fundamentals that ensure a lasting business,” he said. Burger highlighted that the Bezos Earth Fund grant validates the excellent work being done in North Carolina and supports their decision to establish operations in the state.
State-of-the-Art Production Facility
Believer Meats’ new commercial-scale production facility in Wilson, N.C., is set to be operational by the end of 2024. Once fully operational, this 200,000-square-foot facility will have the capacity to produce over 26 million pounds of cultivated meat annually. The facility will feature an innovation center and tasting kitchen and is expected to create up to 100 new jobs in food production, food science, and related fields.
Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at The Bezos Earth Fund, underscored the importance of bringing innovation to market to meet global nutrition needs. “Innovation alone cannot solve our global nutrition needs in the future. We need to ensure that innovation reaches the market,” he said. Jarvis expressed excitement about partnering with NC State and Believer Meats to create a future rich in nutritious and sustainable proteins.
Comprehensive Industry Collaboration
The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State will unite various stakeholders, including academia, industry, chefs, and policymakers, to develop and commercialize advanced protein manufacturing technologies. These include cultivated meat, plant-based products, and precision fermentation. This center will be part of an international network of alternative protein centers supported through the Bezos Earth Fund’s Future of Food program.
Bill Aimutis, Executive Director of NC Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL) and co-director of the new center, highlighted the critical need for alternative protein products that are delicious, appealing, and affordable. “Creating alternative protein products that are delicious, appealing, and affordable for consumers is critical if we are going to solve the future demands on our food supply,” Aimutis stated. He noted that the partnership with Believer Meats offers a unique opportunity to diversify the food supply and supplement animal proteins, providing consumers with more choices.
North Carolina’s Emerging Leadership
The establishment of the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein and Believer Meats’ production facility further solidifies North Carolina’s position as a leader in the alternative protein industry. The state’s rich history in agriculture and bioscience innovation, combined with a supportive business environment, creates a fertile ground for the growth of the alternative protein sector.
Ryan Combs, Executive Director at the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, reflected on North Carolina’s tradition of innovation. “The creation of the Research Triangle as a life science powerhouse was made possible by the vision of our business and political leaders,” he said. Combs believes that the alternative protein ecosystem is a natural extension of the state’s agricultural tradition and positions North Carolina as a leader in the industry.
Believer Meats Latest News
Strategic Leadership Appointments (2024/02/09)
Believer Meats has appointed three new executives to its leadership team: Heather Hudson as Chief Product & Growth Officer, Frida Grynspan as Chief Science Officer, and Marc Shelley as Chief Legal Officer. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience from various sectors, enhancing the company’s strategic capabilities as it prepares for a major product launch in 2024.
Believer Meats Appoints New CEO (2023/03/16)
Believer Meats has appointed Gustavo Burger as its new CEO. Gustavo, who previously served as the company’s COO, has played a pivotal role in pioneering the groundbreaking of the world’s first commercial-scale cultivated meat facility. Kash Muthuraman will succeed Gustavo as Believer’s new COO.
Image provided by Believer Meats
