Three in five Dutch people ready for cultivated meat

Recent research from Good Food Institute Europe reveals that three out of five Dutch people are willing to try cultivated meat. This innovative solution, produced in cultivation facilities, has the potential to make the food industry more sustainable. An impressive 59% of Dutch consumers show interest in cultivated meat, with nearly a third ready to replace part of their meat consumption as soon as it becomes available.

Cultivated meat and consumer confidence

Cultivated meat is produced in facilities that mimic the natural growth processes of animals. This method uses water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to produce meat without slaughtering animals. The research, conducted by YouGov, shows that 65% of Dutch people believe current meat consumption levels are too high. Additionally, half of the respondents want to reduce their meat consumption within the next two years. Cultivated meat could play a role here, with its potential to reduce the climate impact of meat production by 92%, lower air pollution by 94%, and use up to 90% less land.

Support and future prospects

More than half of the Dutch population believes that the government should invest in research and development of cultivated meat. Additionally, 57% think farmers should be supported to take advantage of the new opportunities this sector offers. Since the development of the first cultivated hamburger in 2013, the Netherlands has maintained a leading position in Europe. In 2022, the government invested €60 million in research, education, and scaling up cultivated meat production. This year, the first cultivated meat tasting event was held, thanks to a special Code of Conduct.

Dutch consumers are curious and open to cultivated meat, provided it meets the EU Novel Food regulations. According to the research, 63% of Dutch people agree that cultivated meat should be available for sale if it passes food safety assessments. Additionally, 60% believe that cultivated meat should be produced in the Netherlands to benefit the national economy. Acacia Smith, Senior Policy Manager at Good Food Institute Europe, highlights that the Netherlands is at the forefront of the cultivated meat sector and is well-positioned to reap its economic and environmental benefits.

Gfieurope.org