BeneMeat opens its doors to Czech meat processors as cultivated meat dialog gains momentum

BeneMeat has hosted representatives from the Czech Meat Processors Association (ČSZM) at its pilot production facility, as the cultivated meat company sought to strengthen ties with the conventional meat industry through what it described as an open, fact-based dialog.

The June visit saw the association's Chairman Ing. Jaromír Kloud and Executive Director MVDr. Radek Slanec tour BeneMeat's production facility and meet with company experts to discuss cultivated cell technology, its potential applications, and the regulatory landscape surrounding cultivated meat.

• BeneMeat welcomed representatives from the Czech Meat Processors Association to its pilot production facility for discussions on cultivated meat technology and regulation.
• The company said cultivated cells should complement, rather than compete with, conventional meat production and called for closer cooperation across the sector.
• Both organizations emphasized the importance of evidence-based discussion, transparency, and open communication around emerging food technologies.

BeneMeat said the meeting marked an important step in building constructive relationships with the conventional meat sector, which it views as essential to the responsible development of cultivated meat.

"We do not see cultivated cells as competition to conventional meat production, but rather as its natural complement," said Roman Kříž, CEO of BeneMeat. "Our goal is to provide an additional technological option that can help expand the traditional product portfolio in the future. That is why we consider open dialogue with the entire meat industry absolutely essential."

Kříž added: "We greatly appreciate the opportunity to welcome representatives of the Czech Meat Processors Association to our facilities, and we believe this meeting marks the beginning of long-term cooperation built on professional discussion, knowledge sharing, and mutual understanding. We would also welcome similar dialogue between other cultivated meat companies and the conventional meat sector."

During the visit, guests were guided through BeneMeat's pilot production facility by Production Director Radovan Čadek, who demonstrated each stage of the manufacturing process and outlined the technologies being developed for future industrial-scale production.

"We greatly appreciate the opportunity to present our technology to professionals who have dedicated their careers to the meat industry," Čadek said. "The best way to answer questions and address concerns is to show the technology first-hand and openly discuss every aspect of the production process."

BeneMeat said the scale of its pilot production module reflects how far the cultivated meat sector has progressed, arguing that today's facilities are designed for industrial development and commercialization rather than laboratory-scale experimentation.

The discussions also covered product labeling, an area BeneMeat said is critical for consumer understanding and regulatory compliance.

According to Marek Širl of BeneMeat, the company believes the term "cultivated meat" is the clearest description of the technology and end product for consumers. However, its products are labeled as "cultivated cells," together with the origin of the cells, in line with current legislation and regulatory requirements.

The meeting also touched on Europe's role in advancing cultivated meat technologies. Kříž argued that maintaining the continent's scientific leadership would require greater support for innovation.

"Europe has world-class scientists, outstanding research capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies. However, maintaining this leadership position requires not only evidence-based discussion but also an environment that genuinely supports innovation," he said.

"While countries such as the USA and China recognize modern biotechnology as a strategic priority and actively support its development, Europe continues to move much more slowly. If we want to remain globally competitive, we must begin acting accordingly."

Kříž said BeneMeat had chosen not to rely on public funding for its own development in line with its Ethical Codex but believed future support programs should help companies adopt these technologies and bring them into industrial production.

For the Czech Meat Processors Association, the visit provided an opportunity to assess the technology firsthand rather than through public debate alone.

"We would like to thank BeneMeat for the invitation and the opportunity to experience its pilot production facility and cultivated cell technology first-hand," said MVDr. Radek Slanec, Executive Director of the Czech Meat Processors Association.

"We highly appreciated the open and constructive discussion that truly reflected the spirit of dialogue instead of prejudice. We believe that only professional debate based on verified facts, mutual respect, and transparency can provide an objective assessment of new technologies and their potential role in the future of food production."

He added that the association would continue supporting communication between the conventional meat industry, academia, and companies developing new food technologies.

BeneMeat, part of the BTL Group, has been developing cultivated meat technology since 2020. The company employs more than 150 R&D specialists and says it is building an integrated platform covering cell line development, manufacturing technologies, and regulatory support. It became the first company in the European Union to be registered as a producer of cultivated meat for pet food in 2023.

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