Innovation in marine proteins: Avant Meats’ sustainable approach
Avant Meats is a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in the production of cultivated marine proteins, based in Hong Kong with a presence in Singapore. Founded in 2018 by Carrie Chan and Dr. Mario Chin, the company is dedicated to developing sustainable and scalable alternatives to traditional animal proteins, focusing on cultivated fish products.
Technology and processes.
Avant Meats’ methodology involves extracting small samples of cells from healthy fish, which are then nurtured in a controlled, nutrient-rich environment. These cells grow into edible muscle tissue, resulting in authentic fish products with the taste and texture of traditional seafood but free from contaminants such as heavy metals and microplastics.
Products and brands.
Avant Meats has developed several product lines under its brands:
- Avie®: Offers cultivated fish products, including fillets and fish maw, a premium ingredient in Asian cuisine.
- Zellulin®: Introduces active marine peptides for skincare, promoting antioxidant, regenerative, and reparative properties.
Achievements and recognition.
In June 2021, Avant Meats was recognized as a “Technology Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum, highlighting its contribution to global public goods. Additionally, the company achieved a 90% reduction in production costs by developing an animal-component-free cell culture medium—a critical advancement for the economic viability of its products.
Expansion and collaborations.
In April 2021, Avant Meats announced the opening of new research and development and pilot production facilities in Singapore, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board. This expansion aims to accelerate the commercialization of its products in the Asian market. Furthermore, in September 2021, the company partnered with the Bioprocessing Technology Institute of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to advance large-scale production of cultivated fish.
Funding and future.
In June 2022, Avant Meats raised over $10.8 million in a funding round led by S2G Ventures, aimed at constructing a pilot plant in Singapore and advancing the global commercialization of its products.
With these advancements, Avant Meats positions itself as a leader in the sustainable production of cultivated marine proteins, offering innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to meet the growing global demand for seafood.
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