A new consumer survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the nonprofit and think tank the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) revealed that over half of Polish consumers are open to trying cultivated meat and would support the development of a national cultivated meat industry.

The survey found that 54% of respondents are willing to try cultivated meat, with 25% indicating they would consider replacing some of their current meat consumption with it. 

Cultivated meat is produced by taking a small sample of animal cells and growing them in cultivators, similar to fermentors used in beer production. This process replicates the same biological functions that occur within an animal’s body, providing the necessary temperature and basic nutrients such as water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Various types of meat, including poultry, pork, beef, and seafood, can be produced through this method.

With over 50 startups in Europe, including Poland’s LabFarm, dedicated to advancing the cultivated meat sector, this innovative approach could help meet the increasing demand for protein while enhancing food security. Existing research suggests that cultivated meat has the potential to use significantly fewer resources, such as land, and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional livestock farming. Additionally, the development of a cultivated meat industry could create new jobs in sustainable food technology and position Poland as a leader in this emerging field.

Polish consumers show growing awareness and openness to cultivated meat

Despite being a new food product, 40% of survey respondents said they were already aware of the method of producing cultivated meat, and 16% reported having substantial knowledge about it. Moreover, 56% believe cultivated meat should be permitted for sale in Poland if it passes food safety assessments by regulators. Additionally, 51% think it should be produced domestically to benefit the national economy. 39% of Poles agree that policymakers should invest in research and development of cultivated meat.

Seth Roberts, Senior Policy Manager at GFI Europe, said: “Cultivated meat offers a sustainable and efficient way to enjoy the meat we love, expanding consumer choices and driving food-tech innovation. Poland has the scientific expertise and industrial strength to become a leader in this revolutionary sector, securing its food future and boosting the economy.”

Cultivated meat must be approved within EU Novel Food regulations before it can be sold in any of the EU’s 27 Member States. While cultivated meat has been approved for sale in the United States and Singapore, the first applications for approval have been submitted to food safety regulators in the UK and Switzerland. 

Methodology

The data used is based on an online survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH, in which 1006 people in Poland took part between 15 and 22 April 2024. The results were weighted and are representative of the Polish population aged 18 and over.