Key Takeaways
- AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance) and Believer Meats have announced a collaboration to develop cultivated meat capabilities in Abu Dhabi.
- Believer Meats plans to establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, supporting market expansion, product manufacturing, and R&D.
- The collaboration aims to address food security and water scarcity in the MENA region.
- AGWA will lead advancements in alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae farming, and other innovative food and water technologies.
- The partnership includes establishing a regulatory pathway and halal certification standards for cultivated meat products in Abu Dhabi.
AGWA and Believer Meats Collaborate to Develop Cultivated Meat Capabilities in Abu Dhabi
AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance), Abu Dhabi’s new food and water cluster, has announced a strategic collaboration with Believer Meats, a global leader in the cultivated meat industry. This partnership aims to leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic location and resources to develop capabilities in cultivated meat, furthering Believer Meats’ growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Establishing a Regional Headquarters
Believer Meats plans to establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to support its commercial operations, market expansion, product manufacturing, and research and development. This move will bring industry-leading capabilities and job opportunities to the region, aligning with AGWA’s goal to lead global efforts in tackling food security and water scarcity.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), highlighted the significance of this partnership: “When Abu Dhabi established AGWA, it sought to attract the greatest innovators in food and water. Our partnership with Believer Meats is a firm example of this objective coming to life. A base of operations in Abu Dhabi would enable Believer Meats to bring the very best innovations and products in cultivated meats to the entire region with speed and safety, radically changing the dependency on imported food to the region.”
Supporting Global Food Security
AGWA aims to capitalize on technological advancements to address shifting dietary patterns and support global food security for a reliable and resilient supply chain. The cluster will drive advancements in areas such as alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae farming, and reverse osmosis membranes, while also enhancing traditional food and water production and supply.
Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Partnering with AGWA represents a significant step forward in our mission to create a global powerhouse of cultivated meat solutions bringing products to new strategic markets. This collaboration will not only enable us to expand our operations, but also aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a sustainable and more resilient global food system. By leveraging AGWA’s innovative framework and support, we are confident that we can address food security challenges and bring our safe, healthy, and delicious cultivated meat products to the MENA region and beyond.”
Advancing Cultivated Meat Technology
Believer Meats is focused on developing the world’s most efficient and scalable cell-cultivation production technology to produce safe, healthy, and delicious cultivated meat products. The company is constructing the largest cultivated meat production facility in the world in North Carolina, USA, set to be operational by the end of 2024.
This collaboration with AGWA will support Believer Meats in demonstrating a scalable and replicable model for entering and thriving in new markets. Additionally, AGWA and Believer Meats will explore the establishment of a Believer Meats Innovation Academy dedicated to sustainable food technologies, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based universities and research centers.
Regulatory Pathways and Halal Certification
AGWA will work with Believer Meats to establish a regulatory pathway and halal certification standards for cultivated meat products in Abu Dhabi. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that cultivated meat products meet the region’s regulatory and cultural standards, paving the way for widespread adoption.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, AGWA is set to become a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as technologies that enhance water resource utilization. The cluster aims to meet increasing global demand, alleviate pressures on agricultural systems, and support global food security.
By 2045, AGWA is expected to contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, create over 60,000 new jobs, and attract AED 128 billion in investments. This ambitious vision underscores the significant economic and social impact of the collaboration between AGWA and Believer Meats, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in innovative and sustainable food production.
Image provided by Believer Meats
