ADM, a global leader in sustainable nutrition, and Believer Meats, a pioneer in cultivated meats, signed a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding to work together on new ways to develop and commercialize cultivated meat products.
ADM projected that the global population will exceed 10 billion by 2050, hence taking initiatives to address food security and sustainability. It is partnering up with other value chain actors to create a broader range of protein sources to meet this need. In addition, a growing awareness of cultivated meat amongst consumers has opened the door for flexitarians, who comprise over half of the world's population, to explore further options regarding protein sources. "We’re proud to work with a true innovator like Believer to explore new ingredients and solutions to propel the development of these exciting products, and excited to continue to add valuable partners as we work across the industry to meet growing demand driven by the enduring trends of food security and sustainability” said Leticia Gonçalves, ADM’s president, Global Foods.
“Believer is thrilled to partner with ADM in driving innovation to expand the emerging cultivated meat industry,” said Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer. “Our shared commitment to sustainability and expanding protein choices for consumers makes this collaboration a natural fit. By pairing ADM's leading expertise in ingredient application development, and complete nutrition solutions they bring to their customers, with our groundbreaking cell-cultivation technology, with its unmatched efficiency and scalability, we aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of high-quality, safe, and delicious meat products that deliver on the increasing demands of our growing global population. Together, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the protein industry and create a more sustainable food system for generations to come.”
The MOU between the two companies sets out an understanding to explore various possibilities along the cultivated meat production journey. ADM's wide selection of ingredients and knowledge of complete nutrition solutions are used to improve Believer's cell-cultivated meat method. The alliance additionally includes plans to use ADM's processing experience and reach to potentially commercialize items arising from their joint venture.
In recent years, ADM has worked with several food companies through capital investments and partnerships to create and perfect their alternative protein products. Past investments include Perfect Day, Nature's Fynd ,Geltor and New Culture. It also acquired Sojaprotein in 2021, giving it access to high volumes of European soy ingredients. This year, it invested US$300 million in its Decatur, Illinois facility to increase soy protein concentrate production and double extrusion capacity.