Quotes from Vegconomist, May 22, 2024
Meatable, a Dutch company specializing in cultivated meat, has announced a leadership change as it prepares to enter the US market. CEO and co-founder Krijn de Nood has stepped down, with Jeff (“Trip”) Tripician taking over as CEO on June 17. Dean Banks, the former president and CEO of Tyson Foods, has also joined the Board of Directors. Krijn de Nood will remain on the Board.
Meatable is recognized for its cost-efficient production platform utilizing pluripotent stem cells, which it asserts can create a product “from cell to sausage” in just four days, making it the fastest cell-cultivation method globally. According to the Dutch startup, “This process is 60 times faster than traditional pig farming and requires only a single cell from a pig, without causing any harm.” Last month, Meatable became the first company to conduct an officially approved cultivated meat tasting in the EU.
Meatable to be brought to the US market by Jeff Tripician
With more than 25 years of experience in the American meat industry, Mr. Tripician will oversee Meatable’s expansion into the US market after the company’s commercial launch in Singapore later this year.
This decision is in line with Meatable’s plan to expand into the wider Asian market. Tripician previously served as CEO of Grass Fed Foods and President of Perdue Premium Meat Company. The company states that it offers extensive knowledge of the US meat supply chain, sustainable meat marketing, fundraising, and mergers and acquisitions.
While at Grass Fed Foods, he orchestrated the merger of Teton Waters Ranch and SunFed Ranch, forming a top grass-fed beef platform. At Perdue, he spurred growth for premium brands such as Niman Ranch and Coleman Natural, and oversaw the acquisition of Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats and Alexander & Hornung.
“I am excited to welcome Trip to Meatable, as he is exceptionally well qualified to lead us through this crucial growth phase,” said Cees de Jong, Chairman of Meatable’s Board of Directors. “With our launch in Asia scheduled for the fall, our next key step is to expand into the US. We believe Trip’s extensive and successful background in the organic and natural meat industry will be crucial in achieving our global commercialization and growth objectives. We anticipate his immediate positive impact as we elevate Meatable in Asia, the US, and beyond.”
Leading a paradigm shift in the cultivated meat industry
“Meatable stands out as a unique food tech innovator with patented technology capable of producing real and delicious meat at an unparalleled speed, enabling lower production costs compared to any other industry player,” says Mr. Tripician. “As the global population grows, increasing the demand for sustainable proteins, Meatable is set to lead the industry in a transformative shift. This shift will tackle major global challenges such as climate change, water use, soil quality, humane animal care, food security, and crucially, consumer acceptance. Meatable aims to provide an affordable and exceptional eating experience that has the potential to change the world.”
“Our current global supply chain cannot sustain feeding eight billion people without harming the environment. Historically, technology has enabled various industries to evolve and address critical challenges in transportation, medicine, communications, and food. We anticipate that cultivated meat will similarly offer a sustainable solution to global hunger. The meat industry should lead this innovation, and Meatable is set to play a pivotal role in fostering this significant change,” he adds.
The Board of Directors welcomes Dean Banks of Tyson Foods
To accelerate its entry into the US market, Meatable has appointed Dean Banks, the former president and CEO of Tyson Foods, to its Board of Directors. Banks joins a distinguished Board that includes food and technology executives with extensive experience in the Asian, US, and European markets.
