Cellular agriculture is transforming food production by cultivating animal-based products directly from cells, providing a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional farming. It significantly reduces the use of land, water, and energy, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative approach aligns with the rising global demand for plant-based and animal-free foods.
The global cellular agriculture market is witnessing rapid growth. It is projected to reach US$ 451.44 billion by 2030, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are leading regions in this field. In India, the cultured meat sector is showing immense potential, supported by population growth, sustainability goals, and a thriving biotech industry.
Cellular agriculture is a groundbreaking and rapidly evolving field that is reshaping how we produce food and other agricultural products. Rather than relying on conventional farming methods, it uses cell cultures to grow products directly, eliminating the need for entire plants or animals. This innovative approach presents a more sustainable and efficient way to address the rising global demand for food.
Moreover, it significantly lowers the use of natural resources—such as land, water, and energy—and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to its environmental benefits, it enables precise control over the production process, allowing for the development of customized products that align with specific consumer preferences.
This techique was initially developed in Europe and now embraced by more than 100 companies globally. Often referred to as “cultured” or “cultivated” meat* and dairy, cellular agriculture represents a sustainable and innovative source of alternative protein. It addresses key challenges in the food system, such as antibiotic overuse, environmental degradation, food and water safety, and animal welfare.
The Cultured Meat Market is estimated at US$ 272.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 6,169.6 million by 2034, at a CAGR of 33.3% from 2028 to 2034. Acoording to ‘Cellular Agriculture Market 2025-2030’ report by 360iResearch, the cellular agriculture market was valued at approximately US$ 218.98 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$ 248.38 billion by 2025. Growing with a CAGR of 12.81%, the market is expected to reach US$ 451.44 billion by 2030.
The growing shift toward vegan and meat-free lifestyles is significantly boosting demand for animal-free food alternatives, driving the rapid expansion of the precision fermentation ingredients market. This advanced technology uses microbes—such as yeast, algae, fungi, and bacteria—to produce high-value ingredients like proteins, fats, enzymes, vitamins, and natural pigments without relying on animals.
As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical choices, precision fermentation emerges as a powerful solution, replicating the nutrition and functionality of animal products while minimizing environmental impact. The rise of plant-based diets continues to fuel this market’s dynamic growth. Furthermore, with mass commercialization in sight, these alternative protein products are particularly appealing to younger consumers who prioritize sustainability and climate-friendly food choices.
MarketsandMarkets estimates that the global precision fermentation ingredients market will grow significantly—from US$ 2,821.5 million in 2023 to US$ 36,300.9 million by 2030—reflecting a robust CAGR of 44%.
Precision fermentation has gained considerable traction, accounting for about 44% of fermentation-focused companies, according to the Good Food Institute. It enables manufacturers to replicate the taste, texture, and nutrition of conventional animal products, with successful examples like the Impossible Burger from Impossible Foods US, which replicates the taste and texture of beef and has become a popular choice among vegans.
Whey and casein proteins are highly valued for their superior protein quality, digestibility, and well-balanced amino acid profiles. With the growing demand for nutritional, sustainable, and animal-free food options, manufacturers are increasingly developing innovative products such as dairy-free cheese and plant-based sports nutrition solutions. These offerings cater to consumers seeking high-performance nutrition without animal-derived ingredients. Companies like Formo Bio are using microorganisms programmed with cow DNA to produce animal-free whey and casein for crafting dairy-free cheese.
Similarly, Brazilian startup Up Dairy focuses on creating precision-fermented dairy ingredients, particularly whey protein and casein. The company leverages advanced technologies including Cell Line and Host Strain Development, Target Molecule Selection, Bioprocess Design, and Ingredient Optimization to develop high-quality, animal-free dairy components. This technological innovation is helping reshape the protein landscape toward more ethical and sustainable alternatives.
Notably, Yeast strains are increasingly used as “cell factories” in precision fermentation to produce high-purity, specialized ingredients.
Companies such as Change Foods, Melt&Marble, Perfect Day, and Imagindairy leverage yeast to create components for dairy and meat alternative applications. U.S.-based C16 Biosciences has genetically modified yeast to produce palmitic acid, a key component of palm oil, offering a sustainable and ethical substitute for conventional palm-based fats.
Yeast also plays a crucial role in developing precision fermentation-derived fats for sustainable food systems. Melt&Marble, for example, has introduced a non-animal fat that replicates the taste and texture of traditional beef fat, delivering sensory qualities comparable to conventional meat products. The company holds multiple patents aimed at enhancing specific fungal strains to improve the production of fatty acids and proteins. These innovations underscore the growing importance of microbial biotechnology in creating sustainable, animal-free food ingredients with authentic taste and functionality.
Continued investment in alternative protein sources—plant-based, cultured, and fermentation-derived—has surged, reaching approximately US$ 3 billion, US$ 4 billion, and US$ 8 billion, respectively, by 2022. The trend reflects strong consumer interest in sustainable and climate-friendly food solutions. Industry forecasts significant expansion in investments ranging between US$ 90 billion to US$ 1.1 trillion by 2040.
North America, with the United States taking the lead, represents the largest regional market for cellular agriculture. The region hosts several pioneering companies—such as Eat Just, Memphis Meats, and Perfect Day—driven by substantial investments and a supportive regulatory environment that enables the commercialization of lab-grown meat and related products.
According to Precision Business Insights report (2025-2031), North America is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the cellular agriculture market during the forecast period, primarily driven by extensive investments in cellular agriculture technologies. Continuous funding from diverse sources—including government grants, private investors, and venture capital—has played a crucial role in supporting intensive research and development activities, fostering innovation and advancing the industry across the region.
Europe ranks closely behind, with key contributions from countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The region’s growth is driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Government support, along with increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable food options, is fuelling the expansion of the market.
Latin America and the Middle East are beginning to make their mark in the cellular agriculture sector. While still in the early phases, there is growing awareness and investment in sustainable food technologies, indicating strong future potential. As these regions continue to explore and adopt cellular agriculture solutions, their growth prospects remain promising.
According to Zion Market Research, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the global cellular agriculture market growth throughout the forecast period 2023 – 2030, supported by robust investment in biotechnology and molecular biology sectors. Nations like Singapore, China, and India are increasingly prioritizing the development of educational and research institutions focused on advancing cellular agriculture. As the region’s population continues to rise, the growing demand for food is expected to drive the adoption of modern agricultural solutions, including lab-grown food products, alongside traditional farming methods.
Singapore became the world’s first country to approve the commercial sale of lab-grown meat in 2020, setting a benchmark for innovation in the region.
In recent years, several Asian countries have intensified efforts to build ecosystems that encourage research and development in cellular agriculture. Notably, in November 2023, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed among various nations to create an international platform aimed at expediting regulatory approvals and review procedures, helping to accelerate market growth.
According to the ‘India Cultured Meat Market Size & Outlook, 2022-2030’ by Grand View Research, India’s cultured meat market in 2022 was valued at US$ 12.4 million and is expected to reach US$ 539.1 million by 2030, reflecting a remarkable CAGR of 60.2% from 2023 onward. Poultry was the top revenue-generating segment in 2022, while pork is forecasted to grow the fastest during the coming years.
It is to be noted that India contributed about 5.0% to the global cultured meat market in 2022 and is the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
In recent years, interest in cultured meat (lab-grown meat) has been steadily increasing. The consumer interest in sustainable and clean-label foods continues to support this upward trend. A 2019 survey by The Good Food Institute, Center for Long Term Priorities, and the University of Bath revealed that a majority of Indian consumers are open to trying cultivated meat, with only 10.7% expressing reluctance.
Though, Cellular agriculture in India is still in its early stages but it shows strong growth potential due to rising- population, income levels, and demand, for animal-based food. This creates opportunities for alternative proteins like cultured meat. While production requires complex and costly infrastructure—such as bioreactors, nutrient solutions, and cell lines—India’s robust biotechnology industry and expanding startup ecosystem could support its development. Growing focus on sustainability and consumer awareness around alternative proteins further strengthens the sector’s prospects.
Cellular agriculture represents a transformative shift in how we produce food, offering sustainable, ethical, and efficient alternatives to traditional animal farming. With its potential to address environmental concerns, enhance food security, and meet evolving consumer preferences, it is poised to play a crucial role in the future of global food systems. As investment, innovation, and regulatory support grow across regions—including India—the advancement of cellular agriculture will continue to reshape the landscape of food production and consumption worldwide.
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