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The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa

You are currently viewing The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa
Photo credit: www.mzansimeat.co

This is a breakthrough innovation that only happens once in a while…
Mzansi Meat Co, the first Capetown based cell-based food tech company, has unveiled the first cultivated beef burger in Africa.

DJG Brand Studio - Trend From Africa: You are currently viewing The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa Photo credit: www.mzansimeat.co The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa
Photo credit: samusicnews.co.za
Established in 2020, the company is run by two avid entrepreneurs, Brett Thompson and Tasneem Karodia, who joined forces to produce the first ever cell-based meat in the continent. On their website, they explain the impressive process of production: “Our process starts with a visit to our local farm animal sanctuary where our donor animals are living their best life, in peace. Our registered state veterinarian removes tiny tissue cells from the animal with as little harm as possible. Once the cells are harvested, a sample is placed in a nutrient-rich transport medium and taken to our lab where we isolate the cells and grow them in a culture medium. This is a special type of food containing vitamins, salts and proteins that the cells need to develop and divide. Once we have enough cells, we place them on an edible structure and after adding a few additional spices and flavours, our meat is ready to be dished up and enjoyed.” (source: www.mzansimeat.co) Mzansi Meat Co is now ready to partner with retailers and restaurants and to launch the production of nuggets, steaks and chicken. Mzansi Meat Co wants to produce meat that can be used in the traditional African cuisines.

Why is it inspiring?

DJG Brand Studio - Number 1

Because it is a massive breakthrough for the region and for the continent where food access and safety are challenges especially when Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050 according to The Economist. Africa will count in 2050 about 2.5bn people, meaning more than a quarter of the world’s people would be in Africa.

DJG Brand Studio - Number 2

Because, in a country like South Africa where meat is the main source of proteins, where inhabitants are almost all meat lovers and where barbecue (“braai”) is a way of life, cultivating cell-based meat is more than a challenge! This proves that South African consumers are mature enough to consider alternatives to traditional meat.

DJG Brand Studio - Number 3

Because it offers an affordable AND sustainable alternative. Indeed, cultivated meat uses considerably less land and less water, making production less costly than traditional meat.

Take-outs for brands

DJG Brand Studio - Trend From Africa: You are currently viewing The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa Photo credit: www.mzansimeat.co The first cultivated beef burger in a meat lovers’ country: South Africa
Photo credit: positiveearth.com
DJG Brand Studio - Number 1

Because it is a massive breakthrough for the region and for the continent where food access and safety are challenges especially when Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050 according to The Economist. Africa will count in 2050 about 2.5bn people, meaning more than a quarter of the world’s people would be in Africa.

DJG Brand Studio - Number 2

Because, in a country like South Africa where meat is the main source of proteins, where inhabitants are almost all meat lovers and where barbecue (“braai”) is a way of life, cultivating cell-based meat is more than a challenge! This proves that South African consumers are mature enough to consider alternatives to traditional meat.

DJG Brand Studio - Number 3

Because it offers an affordable AND sustainable alternative. Indeed, cultivated meat uses considerably less land and less water, making production less costly than traditional meat.

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