Interim CEO & CSO
of Ivy Farm Technologies
Harsh Amin, Interim CEO & CSO of Ivy Farm Technologies, discusses the company’s journey toward regulatory approval, cost-effective production, and market expansion, particularly in the Middle East.
As the new Interim CEO, how do you plan to balance the scientific and business aspects of leading Ivy Farm Technologies?
My role is to drive Ivy Farm towards becoming a leader in cultivated meat by balancing scientific innovation with commercial success. We focus on accelerating regulatory approval and scaling production while ensuring our products meet industry standards and consumer expectations. Collaboration with regulators, industry partners, and investors is key to bringing our sustainable, high-quality cultivated meat to market efficiently. Ivy Farm aims to be the first UK company to achieve regulated and commercial sales of cultivated meat.
What are the biggest regulatory and technological hurdles you need to overcome?
Regulatory approval for novel foods in the UK can take up to two years. Streamlining this process while maintaining food safety standards is crucial for market entry. Scaling production cost-effectively remains a challenge, requiring innovations in cell line development and animal-free growth media. By addressing these challenges, Ivy Farm is set to pioneer the UK’s cultivated meat industry. You’ve stated that Ivy Farm will prioritize becoming the lowest-cost producer of cultivated meat.
What key innovations or strategies will help achieve this while maintaining product quality?
Cell culture media is the biggest cost driver, accounting for 60% of production costs. Developing a fully defined, animal free media and scaling its production will significantly reduce expenses. We also focus on hybrid products that combine cultivated and plant-based ingredients, allowing for faster and more cost-effective market entry.
How do you plan to educate consumers and build trust in cultivated meat, particularly in a market where traditional meat still dominates?
Transparency about our production processes, ingredients, and safety standards is essential. We engage in public outreach to highlight the benefits of cultivated meat, including sustainability and animal welfare. Collaborating with media and industry partners helps address concerns, tackle misinformation, and integrate our products into familiar culinary experiences.
Where do you see Ivy Farm Technologies evolving, particularly in the Saudi market and the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia imports 97% of its meat, creating an opportunity for cultivated meat to enhance food security. We aim to collaborate with local partners to navigate regulatory frameworks and tailor products to regional tastes. Our expansion into the Middle East is a key step towards a more sustainable and diverse food industry.
