Aleph Farms to launch first European production site in Switzerland with The Cultured Hub

Aleph Farms has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Cultured Hub, a joint venture between Migros Industrie, Givaudan, and Bühler Group, to establish its first European production base in Kemptthal, Canton of Zurich. The move reflects both the company’s global expansion strategy and Switzerland’s growing role as a center for food innovation.

The agreement will see Aleph Farms work with The Cultured Hub to bring its cultivated beef products, branded as Aleph Cuts, to European markets through a model that emphasizes capital efficiency and local integration. The company said the partnership will help build resilient, decentralized meat supply chains across Europe while aligning with Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem.

“This partnership allows us to execute our global strategy in the best possible way, one that is both capital efficient and deeply embedded in the local market,” said Didier Toubia, CEO of Aleph Farms.

Aleph Farms, which first unveiled the world’s first cultivated steak in 2018, has worked closely with Migros Industrie since 2019. By joining forces with The Cultured Hub, the company will leverage expertise from some of Switzerland’s most prominent players in food, flavor, and bioprocessing technology.

The Canton of Zurich has established itself as an important base for food technology startups and corporate ventures. The Cultured Hub’s facility in Kemptthal, where Givaudan also operates its flagship innovation campus, provides Aleph Farms with a strategic foothold in the heart of Switzerland’s research and development landscape.

The Cultured Hub itself was formed in 2021 by Migros Industrie, Givaudan, and Bühler Group to accelerate the commercialization of cell-cultivated meat. By partnering with the venture, Aleph Farms aims to anchor its European operations in an ecosystem that combines supply chain expertise, cutting-edge R&D, and supportive public policy.

According to the company, the collaboration represents more than just geographic expansion. It reflects Aleph Farms’ commitment to scaling production responsibly while remaining sensitive to local markets. The partnership also supports Switzerland’s ambition to be a leader in sustainable food innovation, with the Canton of Zurich backing initiatives to strengthen the sector.

Aleph Farms has positioned itself as one of the leading companies working to commercialize cell-cultivated beef. The firm has previously outlined a global strategy that involves building production bases embedded in local markets rather than relying solely on centralized mega-facilities. This decentralized approach is designed to improve supply chain resilience, reduce transportation emissions, and ensure that products meet the cultural and regulatory contexts of each market.

The agreement with The Cultured Hub follows the recent publication of the first independent techno-economic analysis of Aleph Cuts. That report concluded that the company’s cultivated beef can scale both sustainably and profitably, providing an economic basis for the expansion of production and market entry. Aleph Farms said the findings reinforced its vision of delivering a product that meets consumer expectations on price and quality while advancing food security and sustainability goals.

Toubia emphasized that Europe is a critical region for Aleph Farms’ growth. Switzerland in particular, he noted, offers a supportive environment for the development of new food technologies, thanks to a strong innovation ecosystem and an openness to sustainable alternatives in the food sector.

Migros, Switzerland’s largest retailer, has played a key role in Aleph Farms’ European journey since 2019, providing insights into consumer trends, retail distribution, and local market dynamics. The involvement of Bühler Group, with its expertise in large-scale food processing systems, and Givaudan, with its deep knowledge of flavor and consumer preferences, further strengthens the collaboration.

Together, the partners intend to accelerate the responsible commercialization of cultivated beef across Europe, positioning Zurich as a hub for both scientific research and commercial deployment.

“This milestone is more than an expansion,” Aleph Farms said in its announcement. “It represents a capital-efficient, locally embedded way to bring Aleph Cuts to European markets, supported by Switzerland’s food innovation ecosystem and the Canton of Zurich.”

By embedding production close to consumers, Aleph Farms and The Cultured Hub hope to advance a model of cultivated meat production that can scale globally while remaining responsive to local needs.

Aleph Farms’ expansion into Switzerland comes at a time of growing momentum for the cultivated meat sector. While regulatory approvals remain limited, with Singapore and the USA leading the way, Europe has become a focal point for research, policy discussions, and early investment in alternative proteins.