In a groundbreaking move that is set to redefine the meat industry, a factory in Holland has embraced additive manufacturing technology, commonly known as 3D printing, to produce an astonishing 500 tonnes of steaks per month. This revolutionary approach to meat production is spearheaded by Redefine Meat, an Israeli plant-based startup that aims to offer sustainable and high-quality alternatives to traditional animal-based meat products. With a major distribution deal and the introduction of premium cuts and pulled meat alternatives, Redefine Meat is paving the way for a new era of meat production.
Redefine Meat’s Breakthrough Technology
Redefine Meat’s factory in Holland utilizes additive manufacturing technology to create plant-based meat products. Unlike conventional 3D printing, which is commonly used for plastics, Redefine Meat has developed a version specifically for creating meat. The process, referred to as additive manufacturing, uses large-scale industrial production machines and food-grade ingredients to create meat products with the right texture, flavor, and mouthfeel. This sets it apart from traditional 3D printing, as it goes beyond shape and focuses on replicating the qualities of real meat. (1)
Their “meat” is, of course, not actually meat at all. It is a plant-based alternative that looks, tastes, and feels like, just with no actual animal involvement. The product itself is made of pea and soy protein, chickpeas, beetroot, nutritional yeast, and coconut fat. Each product is made of the same ingredients, just done in a different way so that it resembles the real thing. It’s so similar, in fact, that Giraudi Meats, a real meat product company, has even picked it up.
“Our product is meat, it has the same attributes, it is just manufactured in a different way,” said Co-founder and Chief Executive Eshchar Ben-Shitrit. “The fact that our products are now being sold by Giraudi Meats, the same people who sell high-quality meat, shows that they are not compromise vegan products,” (2)
Expansion of the New-Meat Range
Redefine Meat’s New-Meat range offers a diverse selection of plant-based meat alternatives, including beef and lamb flank cuts, ground beef, sausages, premium burgers, and lamb kebabs. Recently, Redefine Meat announced a major product expansion, introducing two new premium cuts, Redefine Tenderloin and Redefine Striploin, as well as a range of pulled meat alternatives, including Pulled Beef, Pulled Lamb, and Pulled Pork. These products are meticulously crafted using additive manufacturing technology to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
They developed their pulled meat products in response to the growing trend and demand for pulled meat, Redefine Meat developed a line of pulled meat alternatives that cater to the needs of restaurants and catering services. Unlike their premium cuts, which are created using additive manufacturing, the pulled meat range utilizes Redefine Meat’s unique building blocks of ingredients. The availability of high-quality pulled meat alternatives allows chefs to create elevated dishes quickly and efficiently.
Read: World’s First 3D-Printed Vegan Salmon Arrives in Grocery Stores – Here’s What You Should Know.
Distribution Partnership and Market Expansion
As already mentioned, to rapidly expand the reach of their New-Meat line across Europe, Redefine Meat has formed a strategic distribution partnership with Giraudi Meats, a prominent meat importer. Giraudi Meats specializes in exclusive high-end cuts, making them the ideal partner for Redefine Meat to penetrate the European market. With Giraudi’s extensive distribution network and presence in 30 countries, Redefine Meat’s products will be introduced in France, Italy, Greece, and Sweden initially, with plans to enter dozens more countries in the future.
Scaling Up Production
Redefine Meat’s commitment to scaling up production is evident in their recent acquisition of a meat factory in the Netherlands. Originally a pilot facility, the factory has now transitioned into commercial production scale, enabling Redefine Meat to meet the increasing demand for their products. The company plans to expand their capacity, aiming to produce 500 tonnes of steaks per month. This significant growth will allow Redefine Meat to enter new markets and develop new products to cater to the evolving needs of consumers.
While Redefine Meat acknowledges that their products are currently expensive compared to traditional meat, they believe that quality is paramount in driving consumer adoption of plant-based alternatives. Their focus on taste, texture, and nutrition ensures that consumers enjoy a satisfying meat-like experience without compromising on flavor or health benefits. As the price of traditional meat continues to rise, Redefine Meat’s competitive pricing will become more appealing, making their plant-based offerings an increasingly attractive option.
The Bottom Line
The factory in Holland, powered by Redefine Meat’s additive manufacturing technology, symbolizes the transformative potential of sustainable meat production. In a world where environmental concerns and changing dietary preferences are driving the need for alternative protein sources, Redefine Meat’s innovative approach offers a glimpse into the future of food. By continuously expanding their product range, forming strategic partnerships, and scaling up production, Redefine Meat is shaping the way we perceive and consume meat, while championing environmental sustainability and animal welfare. The factory in Holland is not just a symbol of progress, but a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and ethical food industry.
Keep Reading: People are Surprised to Learn That The Red Juice From Your Steak Isn’t Blood
Sources
- “Redefine Meat inks major distribution deal, adds premium cuts and ‘pulled meat’ range: ‘Everything that a cow can do is in our pipeline’” Food Navigator. Flora Southey. October 21, 2022
- “Redefine Meat strikes partnership to boost 3D-printed meat sales in Europe.” Reuters. Silke Koltrowitz and Lee Marzel. October 13, 2021.