Quotes from South China Morning Post, March 29, 2024
By Eric Ng
Avant Meats, an innovator in the cultivated seafood industry originating from Hong Kong, is set to increase its production capabilities by thirty times. This decision follows a wave of consumer approval experienced at a recent culinary showcase. The company’s commitment to providing sustainable seafood options is poised to meet the growing international demand.
Current fishing methods worldwide have led to a critical situation where approximately 90% of global marine fish populations are being utilized to their maximum, overused, or are in decline. Moreover, the demand for seafood is on the rise, with the industry, valued at US$580 billion, projected to expand at an annual rate of 5.3%. Seafood that is produced sustainably originates from practices that reduce negative impacts on the environment, contributing to the preservation of robust and thriving marine ecosystems.
The presentation demonstrated the versatility of farmed fish in traditional Chinese cooking, highlighting recipes that feature the fiery flavors of Sichuan mala sauce and the classic preparation of fish steamed with ginger and scallions. During an interview with the Post at the One Earth Summit in Hong Kong, CEO and co-founder Carrie Chan Kai-yi shared that the samplings received positive reviews. She further noted that their product is adaptable for various culinary applications, including pan-seared fillets, battered fish, and fish-based burgers.
The green light from the Singapore Food Agency to market a lab-created substitute for traditionally farmed and wild-caught seafood might not be granted until the end of this year or the beginning of the next. However, Carrie Chan Kai-yi remains optimistic about her growth strategies, bolstered by the positive responses received at a taste-testing session conducted last November.
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