“Despite farmers around the world being able to generate enough food to feed 1.5 times the global population, over 800 million people still lack access to nutritious and sufficient food. Feed9B aims to target these under-developed agricultural systems and unsustainable food production practices by assuming the role as an avid advocate for food sustainability and innovation in Asia.”
-Feed 9 Billion

On November 15, 2022, a baby named Venice Mabansag was born in Manila, becoming “human number 8 billion” to come into this world. Based on the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world will reach a 9 billion population figure by 2037, and while there are many challenges that come with a rising population, protein production is high on the list.

Animal agriculture is currently the primary source of protein worldwide, but its consequences on the environment and countries vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity are concerning. Half of all current global growth in animal protein consumption comes from Asian countries, which currently account for around 60% of the total population. Today in the region, rising population, incomes, and urbanization will drive a 78% increase in meat and seafood demand from 2017 to 2050, according to a report by Asia Research and Engagement Pte Ltd. So it comes as no surprise that some of the most revolutionary sustainable protein solutions are indeed coming from this region.

In early September, over 30 VIP guests, including government officials, investors, and industry representatives convened at the elegant tables of 1-Atico in Singapore to participate in a four-course meal: chili crab, fish law, laksa with fish balls and beef skewer. What was so special about this? All dishes were made with cultivated meat produced by four different startups – not a single animal was killed to make them.

The event kicked off Restaurant Week in Singapore and was organized by Feed 9 Billion, an open platform that aims to accelerate sustainable and nutritious food across Asia. Lever-backed cultivated seafood company Avant, presented its acclaimed fish maw, a traditional Chinese delicacy, accompanied by vegetable veloute sauce and tomato soup.

The Rise of Cultivated Seafood: A Solution to Overfishing

Lever and Avant crossed paths in 2018, when the Foundation helped founder Carrie Chan launch the first cultivated meat company in China. With the help of co-founder Dr. Mario Chin, Carrie and Avant set out to develop cultivated fish and luxury seafood products – such as fish maw –by harvesting the cells of a living animal without any need for animal suffering or slaughter. With commercial production and sales set to begin in 2024, Avant is preparing to serve its cultivated seafood in Asia and beyond, a move that will alleviate animal suffering and the pressure on oceans and the climate, while also benefiting consumers. Lever is proud to be a part of Avant’s great story and will continue to support it in its efforts to create a more sustainable and humane protein supply chain.

Carrie Chan, Founder and CEO, Avant

This work happened because of the support of people like you. Please consider donating today to build a more humane and sustainable protein supply in Asia.