Most ‘meat’ people will consume will not come from animals by the year 2040, according to a new report.
The research instead suggests that some 60 per cent of meat-style products people eat will be plant-based or artificially grown alternatives.
These vegan or lab produced foods will “disrupt” the conventional meat industry, the study from AT Kearney suggests.
“All in all, cultured meat and new meat replacement products are going to disrupt the $1,000 billion conventional meat industry with all its supplier companies,” it states.
“This disruption is supported by a general shift toward consumption of non-meat proteins (for example, legumes and nuts) as a consequence of new lifestyle trends, all aimed at a more sustainable and healthier diet, as well as regulatory measures against conventional meat.”
The study suggests the overall meat industry will grow, with cultured products artificially produced seeing the biggest increase.
It states by 2040 that 35 per cent could be from cultured produce, 25 from “novel vegan meat replacement” and 40 per cent from conventional meat.
Cultured meat will be a “global phenomenon” it suggests because of it being an alternative to slaughtered meat which will taste the same.
This gives it potential for growth due to being able to lure in meat-eaters who would might opt for plant-based options.
Researchers also suggest both meat alternatives “have the potential to overcome most ethical and ecological agricultural challenges” due to not harming animals and generally using less resources.
