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 | 심플플래닛, 무혈청 세포 배양 배지 공개… 비용 99.8% 절감
심플플래닛(Simple Planet)이 세포 기반 식품 생산, 바이오의약품, 재생 의학에 활용할 수 있는 무혈청 세포 배양 배지를 개발했다고 발표했다. 심플플래닛은 기존의 소태아혈청(FBS)을 식용 발효 대사산물로 대체함으로써 동물 유래 성분의 높은 비용과 윤리적 문제를 해결했다. 심플플래닛에 따르면 이번 배지는 상용 배양 배지 대비 생산 비용을 99.8% 이상 절감할 수 있다. 기존 세포 배양 배지는 소태아혈청(FBS) 및 기타 동물 유래 성분에 의존하여 높은 생산 비용과 공급망 문제를 유발해 왔다. 그러나 식용 발효 대사산물을 활용한 심플플래닛의 배지는 고가의 재조합 성장 인자(recombinant growth factors) 없이도 식품 및 의료 분야에 모두 적용 가능하도록 설계되었다.
이 신형 배양 배지는 글로벌 연구 기관 및 혁신 센터와의 협업으로 시험을 성공적으로 마쳤다. 실험 결과, 근원세포(근육 전구세포) 증식을 촉진하면서도 정상적인 세포 형태를 유지하는 것으로 확인되었다. 이에 신형 배양 배지가 기존 혈청 기반 배지의 대안이 될 수 있다는 평가가 나오고 있다.
정일두 심플플래닛 대표는 "그동안 소태아혈청(FBS)에 대한 의존은 비용과 윤리적 문제를 초래해왔다"며 "심플플래닛의 완전 식용 가능한 무혈청 배지는 다양한 산업에서 대규모로 활용할 수 있는 실용적이고 지속 가능한 솔루션이 될 것"이라고 전했다. 한편 심플플래닛은 대체 단백질 산업 내 입지를 빠르게 확장하고 있다. 지난해 6백만 달러(약 80억 원) 규모의 투자 유치를 성공적으로 마쳤으며, 한국 정부가 추진하는 1,100억 원 규모의 푸드테크 혁신 프로젝트에도 선정된 바 있다. Simple Planet has announced the development of a serum-free cell culture medium designed for use in cell-based food production, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine. Created using probiotics recycling technology, the new medium is set for a global launch in 2025. By replacing conventional fetal bovine serum (FBS) with probiotics recycling, Simple Planet has addressed the high costs and ethical concerns associated with animal-derived components. According to the company, this innovation can reduce production costs by over 99.8% compared to existing culture media. Traditional cell culture media rely on FBS and other animal-based ingredients, leading to high costs and supply chain limitations. However, Simple Planet’s medium, utilizing probiotics recycling, is designed to be applicable to both food and medical industries without the need for expensive recombinant growth factors. The new cell culture medium has successfully undergone trials in collaboration with global research institutions and innovation centers. Studies have demonstrated that it enhances myoblast (muscle precursor cell) proliferation while maintaining normal cell morphology, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional serum-based media. Dominic Jeong, co-founder and CEO of Simple Planet stated, "The reliance on fetal bovine serum (FBS) has long posed cost and ethical challenges. Simple Planet’s fully edible, serum-free medium provides a practical and sustainable solution for large-scale applications across multiple industries." Meanwhile, Simple Planet is rapidly expanding its presence in the alternative protein sector. Last year, the company successfully raised $6 million in funding and was also selected for a ₩110 billion ($80 million) South Korean government initiative aimed at advancing food tech innovation. | |
#02. This week's notable highlight |
 | [대체육, 대체 뭐니②] 현대인의 대체육 선택이 늘어나는 이유
최근 전 세계가 대체육에 주목하면서 대체육의 장점에도 관심이 집중되고 있다. 먼저 대체육은 환경 오염에 대한 우려를 최소화하면서 지속 가능한 식생활을 실천할 수 있다. 지난 2014년 넷플릭스를 통해 공개된 다큐멘터리 영화 ‘카우스 파이러시’(Cowspiracy)는 소가 내뿜는 메탄가스는 자동차의 배기가스보다 86배 나쁘며, 미국에서만 1초에 53톤(t)의 가축 배설물이 배출될 정도로 소의 배설물이 해양 오염에 지대한 영향을 끼친다고 주장했다.
하지만 대체육의 일종인 ‘배양육’은 가축의 세포를 배양해 얻기 때문에 메탄가스나 분뇨가 배출되지 않는다.
또 다른 대표적인 대체육 ‘식물성 고기’ 역시 동물이나 동물의 세포와 무관하고, 식물을 원료로 사용하기 때문에 탄소를 적게 배출한다. 대체육이 건강을 위한 선택이 될 수 있다는 분석도 나왔다. 지금보다 더 기술이 발달하면 고기의 맛과 식감, 질감뿐만 아니라 각자의 필요 영양에 따라 영양소를 첨가하거나 제거하는 것도 가능하기 때문이다. 특히 한국소비자원의 ‘식물성 대체육 – 소고기 패티 영양성분 비교’ 자료에 따르면 식물성 대체육은 기존의 고기보다 열량과 포화지방, 탄수화물은 현저히 낮게 나타났다. 이 중 식물성 대체육의 콜레스테롤 수치는 0으로 확인됐다. 반면 단백질과 탄수화물, 다중불포화지방, 리롤래산, 페네알라닉, 칼슘, 철, 칼륨, 마그네슘 등 총 9가지 영양성분은 더 높게 나타났다. 채식 위주의 식단을 선호하는 인구의 증가도 대체육 시장 성장에 영향을 주는 것으로 분석된다. 식물성 원료에서 단백질 등을 추출해 고기의 맛과 식감이 느껴지도록 만들어지는 식물성 고기는 완전히 채식만을 하는 ‘비건’도 먹을 수 있다. [Alternative Meat, What's the Alternative?②] Why More Modern Consumers Are Choosing Alternative Meat Recently, as the world turns its attention to alternative meat, its advantages have also gained significant interest.
First, alternative meat allows for a more sustainable diet while minimizing concerns about environmental pollution. The 2014 Netflix documentary Cowspiracy claimed that methane gas emitted by cows is 86 times more harmful than car exhaust and that in the U.S. alone, 53 tons of livestock waste are produced every second, significantly contributing to ocean pollution.
However, one type of alternative meat, cultured meat, is produced by cultivating animal cells, eliminating methane gas emissions and waste production. Another prominent type, plant-based meat, is entirely independent of animals or animal cells and is made from plant-based ingredients, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
There is also analysis suggesting that alternative meat can be a healthier choice. With further advancements in technology, it will not only replicate the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of real meat but also allow for the addition or removal of nutrients based on individual dietary needs.
According to a report from the Korea Consumer Agency comparing the nutritional content of plant-based beef patties, plant-based alternative meat has significantly lower calories, saturated fat, and carbohydrates than conventional meat. Notably, its cholesterol level was recorded as zero.
On the other hand, it contained higher levels of nine essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, linoleic acid, phenylalanine, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
The growing number of people preferring plant-based diets is also contributing to the expansion of the alternative meat market. Plant-based meat, which extracts proteins and other nutrients from plant ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real meat, can be consumed even by strict vegans. | |
 | “초코 애호가들 큰일” 카카오나무 멸종 중… ‘실험실 초콜릿’ 대안될 수 있을까? 최근 가뭄과 엘니뇨(해수 온난화 현상), 병충해로 서아프리카의 코코아 수확량이 크게 감소했다. 이에 따라 코코아 가격이 상승했으며 코코아가 주원료인 초콜릿의 가격도 고공행진하고 있다. 이에 과학자들이 찾은 방법은 ▲코코아 없는 초콜릿(대체 초콜릿) ▲실험실 초콜릿(세포배양 초콜릿)이다. 서울과학기술대 식품생명공학과 서승오 교수는 "기존 농업 생산방식을 대체한다기보다는 과학기술을 이용해, 지속 가능한 생산 방법을 개발함으로써 코코아 시장 안정화에 기여하는 것"이라며 "생산 방식이 다각화된다면 갑자기 생긴 생산 환경 변화에 잘 대응할 수 있다"고 했다. 코코아 없는 초콜릿은 코코아를 다른 원료로 대체해 초콜릿 맛을 낸 것이다. 주로 캐롭, 보리, 루쿠마, 잭프루트 씨앗, 치커리 루트, 해바라기씨, 귀리 등이 사용된다. 실험실 초콜릿은 실험실에서 코코아콩 세포를 배양해 만든 것이다. 코코아콩 씨앗에서 세포를 추출해, 세포가 잘 자라는 환경을 조성한 배양기에 넣는다. 카카오나무가 좋아하는 고온 다습한 환경과 당분 등도 제공한다. 이렇게 하면 초콜릿 원료를 기존 방식보다 빠르게 얻을 수 있다. 카카오 열매를 수확하려면 7개월가량이 걸리지만, 배양기에서 키우면 3~4일이면 초콜릿 원료가 생성된다. 코코아콩과 유전적으로 동일한 것으로 만들어지기 때문에 대체 초콜릿보다 더 맛이 비슷할 것으로 보인다. 세포배양 초콜릿 시장도 활발한 투자로 빠르게 성장하고 있다. 미국 스타트업 캘리포니아 컬쳐드는 올해 세포배양 초콜릿 제품 출시를 예고했다. 코코아의 항산화 성분인 플라바놀을 함량을 높인 세포 배양 코코아 파우더를 일본 식품 기업 메이지를 통해 판매할 예정이다. 스위스 취리히대 연구팀은 2년 이내 상업화가 가능하다고 했으며, 이스라엘 기업 셀레스트 바이오는 세포 배양 코코아 분말·버터 생산으로 약 65억 원 규모의 펀딩을 확보했다. "Chocolate Lovers Beware" – Cacao Trees Facing Extinction, Could Lab-Grown Chocolate Be the Solution?Recently, cocoa harvests in West Africa have significantly declined due to droughts, El Niño (ocean warming phenomenon), and pests. As a result, cocoa prices have surged, leading to a sharp increase in the price of chocolate, which relies on cocoa as its main ingredient.
To address this issue, scientists have proposed two alternatives: chocolate without cocoa (alternative chocolate) and lab-grown chocolate (cell-cultured chocolate). Professor Seung-Oh Seo from the Department of Food and Biotechnology at Seoul National University of Science and Technology stated, "Rather than replacing traditional agricultural production, the goal is to stabilize the cocoa market by developing sustainable production methods through scientific technology. Diversifying production methods would allow for better responses to sudden changes in production conditions."
Alternative chocolate is made by replacing cocoa with other ingredients that mimic the taste of chocolate. Common substitutes include carob, barley, lucuma, jackfruit seeds, chicory root, sunflower seeds, and oats.
Lab-grown chocolate is created by cultivating cocoa bean cells in a laboratory. Cells are extracted from cocoa bean seeds and placed in a bioreactor, where they are provided with the optimal conditions for growth, including the warm, humid environment and nutrients that cacao trees thrive in.
This method allows for the production of chocolate ingredients much faster than traditional methods. While it takes about seven months to harvest cocoa pods naturally, lab-grown cocoa can be produced in just three to four days. Since lab-grown cocoa is genetically identical to natural cocoa, it is expected to have a flavor closer to traditional chocolate compared to alternative chocolate.
The cell-cultured chocolate market is also growing rapidly, fueled by strong investments. The American startup California Cultured has announced plans to launch its cell-cultured chocolate products this year. The company is set to sell a cell-cultured cocoa powder with enhanced flavanol content, a key antioxidant found in cocoa, through the Japanese food company Meiji.
A research team at the University of Zurich in Switzerland has stated that commercialization of lab-grown chocolate could be possible within two years. Meanwhile, the Israeli company Celleste Bio has secured approximately 6.5 billion KRW (around $5 million) in funding to produce cell-cultured cocoa powder and butter. | |
 | 미국 달걀 가격 폭등에 비건 대체품 수요 급증 미국에서 달걀 가격이 폭등하자 식물성 원료로 만든 비건 달걀이 주목받고 있다. 현재 미국 전역에서는 조류 인플루엔자로 인한 산란계 폐사로 달걀 품귀 현상이 발생하고 있다. 일부 매장에서는 대기 줄이 형성됐고, 레스토랑 체인 와플하우스는 달걀 추가 요금을 부과하기 시작했다. 달걀이 귀해지면서 가격도 덩달아 올랐다. 미 농무부(USDA)에 따르면, 미국의 평균 도매 달걀 가격은 한 다스당 7.34달러(약 1만580원)으로, 전주 대비 10% 상승했다. 이에 비건 달걀 제조업체들이 생산량을 늘리고 유통망을 확장하며, 가격 인하를 추진하는 등 기회를 적극 활용하고 있다. 대표적으로 잇저스트는 월마트와 홀푸드 등 주요 유통업체를 통해 비건 달걀인 ‘저스트 에그(Just Egg)’ 제품 생산을 확대하고 있다. 이 회사는 녹두와 카놀라유를 활용해 달걀 대체품을 만드는데, 주간 매출이 전년 대비 최대 70% 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 또 다른 비건 달걀 업체인 요에그의 에란 그로너 CEO는 달걀 공급 부족으로 인해 레스토랑들이 ‘달걀 없는 달걀’을 보험처럼 고려하기 시작했다고 전했다. 이 회사의 비건 반숙 달걀 제품은 개당 약 1.8달러(약 2천594원)에 판매되는데, 회사는 제품 가격을 약 10% 인하하고 유통망과 제품 라인업을 확대해 경쟁력을 높일 계획이다. 피치북에 따르면, 미국 비건 달걀 시장의 연간 매출은 20억 달러(약 2조 8천822억원)미만으로 전체 달걀 시장에서 차지하는 비중은 아직 미미하나, 콜레스테롤 감소와 환경 보호를 내세운 마케팅을 통해 점차 시장을 확대하고 있다. As egg prices soar in the U.S., plant-based vegan eggs are gaining attention. Currently, a shortage of eggs is occurring nationwide due to the culling of laying hens caused by avian influenza. In some stores, lines have formed, and the restaurant chain Waffle House has started charging extra for eggs. As eggs become scarce, their prices have also surged. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average wholesale price of eggs in the U.S. has risen to $7.34 per dozen, a 10% increase from the previous week. In response, vegan egg manufacturers are seizing the opportunity by increasing production, expanding distribution networks, and working on price reductions. A notable example is Eat Just, which is expanding the production of its vegan egg product, "Just Egg," through major retailers such as Walmart and Whole Foods. The company uses mung beans and canola oil to create its egg substitute, and its weekly sales have increased by up to 70% compared to the previous year. Eran Groner, CEO of another vegan egg company, Yo Egg, stated that restaurants are beginning to consider "eggless eggs" as a kind of insurance due to the egg supply shortage. Yo Egg’s vegan soft-boiled egg product sells for about $1.80 per piece, and the company plans to enhance its competitiveness by reducing prices by approximately 10% and expanding its distribution network and product lineup. According to PitchBook, the annual revenue of the U.S. vegan egg market is less than $2 billion, making up only a small portion of the overall egg market. However, companies are gradually expanding their market presence through marketing that highlights cholesterol reduction and environmental benefits. | |
 | 일상화한 푸드플레이션…지구에 좋고, 값도 싼 '대체식품' 키울 때
식량 위기가 점차 현실화되고 있다. 환경 오염에 따른 지구온난화로 세계 곳곳에서 폭염·폭설·폭우 등 이상 기후가 나타나고 있고 이에 따른 농작물 생산량 감소로 커피, 설탕, 코코아는 물론 과일까지 푸드플레이션이 확산하는 추세다. 여기에 고수온 현상에 따라 해양 생물의 서식지가 이동하면서 해양 생태계 다양성과 균형도 위협받고 있다. 실제 국내에서도 오징어, 고등어 등 국내산 수산물 어획량이 급감하면서 수산물 수입이 급증하고 있다. 이은영 삼일PwC 경영연구원 상무는 “유엔 식량농업기구(FAO)는 2050년까지 식량 생산량이 최대 30% 감소할 수 있고, 가격은 최대 50% 상승할 수 있다고 전망했다”며 “이는 기후 변화가 식량 위기로 이어질 수 있다는 경고”라고 설명했다. 이 상무는 이상 기후에 따른 식량 위기의 해법을 대체식품에서 찾고 있다. 대체식품은 동물성 단백질을 대체하는 식품으로, 축산물 등 동물성 원료 대신 식물성 원료 추출, 세포 배양, 미생물 발효 등을 통해 기존 육류, 해산물, 유제품 등의 단백질 식품 맛과 조직감을 구현한 것을 말한다. 전통적인 식량 생산과 비교해 적은 자원을 가지고 빠르게 생산할 수 있다는 장점이 있다. 이 상무는 “대체식품 산업은 식량부족뿐 아니라 앞으로 개인 체질·기호에 맞는 맞춤형 식단 등으로도 활용할 수 있기 때문에 주목할 수밖에 없는 분야”라며 “특히 미국, EU, 중국, 한국을 비롯한 주요국가들이 2050년까지 탄소 중립을 목표로 한 만큼 저탄소가 가능한 대체식품이 꾸준히 관심의 대상이 될 것”이라고 전망했다. 이어 “대체식품 산업은 성장 잠재력이 있기 때문에 정부 지원과 기업투자가 병행된다면 빠르게 성장할 수 있다”며 “최근 글로벌 경기 불확실성으로 각국의 대체식품에 대한 관심이 주춤해진 지금이 글로벌 기업들과의 격차를 줄일 절호의 기회”라고 강조했다.
Everyday Foodflation… Time to Expand Sustainable and Affordable Alternative Foods The global food crisis is becoming a reality. Due to global warming caused by environmental pollution, extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy snow, and torrential rains are occurring worldwide. As a result, crop yields are declining, leading to the spread of foodflation, affecting not only coffee, sugar, and cocoa but even fruits.
Additionally, rising sea temperatures are causing shifts in marine habitats, threatening the diversity and balance of ocean ecosystems. In South Korea, the domestic catch of squid and mackerel has plummeted, leading to a surge in seafood imports.
Lee Eun-young, an executive director at Samil PwC Management Research Institute, stated, “The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that by 2050, global food production could decrease by up to 30%, while prices could rise by as much as 50%. This serves as a warning that climate change could lead to a full-scale food crisis.”
Lee sees alternative foods as a potential solution to the food crisis brought on by climate change. Alternative foods replace animal-based proteins using plant-based extracts, cell cultivation, and microbial fermentation to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat, seafood, and dairy products. Compared to conventional food production, alternative foods require fewer resources and can be produced more quickly.
She added, “The alternative food industry is not only a solution to food shortages but also offers personalized dietary options tailored to individual preferences and needs, making it an area of growing interest. With major countries—including the U.S., EU, China, and South Korea—targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon alternative foods will continue to attract attention.”
Lee further emphasized, “The alternative food industry has significant growth potential. If government support and corporate investment go hand in hand, the industry can expand rapidly. Given the recent slowdown in global interest due to economic uncertainty, now is the perfect time to close the gap with leading global companies.” | |
📍더 살펴보면 좋을 뉴스 - 한화 김동선의 미래 '푸드테크'… 급식 손잡은 로봇 [URL] - [비즈톡톡] 대체식품 시장 공략 어려웠는데… “면순이 사랑받은 두유면에서 답 찾았다” [URL] - 셀미트, 아이슬란드서 세포배양식품 시식회 [URL] - "해조류 이용 참치원육 개발…글로벌 푸드테크 기업 도약" [URL] 📍More Interesting News to Explore - Hanwha’s Kim Dong-sun’s Future in ‘Food Tech’… Robots Team Up with Catering Services [URL] - [BizTalkTalk] Cracking the Alternative Food Market Was Tough… ‘Soy Noodles’ Inspired by Beloved ‘Myeonsuni’ Hold the Answer [URL] - CellMeat Hosts Cultured Food Tasting Event in Iceland [URL] - “Developing Tuna Raw Material Using Seaweed… Aiming to Become a Global Food Tech Company” [URL] |
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심플플래닛(Simple Planet)이 세포 기반 식품 생산, 바이오의약품, 재생 의학에 활용할 수 있는 무혈청 세포 배양 배지를 개발했다고 발표했다.
최근 전 세계가 대체육에 주목하면서 대체육의 장점에도 관심이 집중되고 있다.
하지만 대체육의 일종인 ‘배양육’은 가축의 세포를 배양해 얻기 때문에 메탄가스나 분뇨가 배출되지 않는다.
또 다른 대표적인 대체육 ‘식물성 고기’ 역시 동물이나 동물의 세포와 무관하고, 식물을 원료로 사용하기 때문에 탄소를 적게 배출한다.
[Alternative Meat, What's the Alternative?②] Why More Modern Consumers Are Choosing Alternative Meat
Recently, as the world turns its attention to alternative meat, its advantages have also gained significant interest.
First, alternative meat allows for a more sustainable diet while minimizing concerns about environmental pollution. The 2014 Netflix documentary Cowspiracy claimed that methane gas emitted by cows is 86 times more harmful than car exhaust and that in the U.S. alone, 53 tons of livestock waste are produced every second, significantly contributing to ocean pollution.
There is also analysis suggesting that alternative meat can be a healthier choice. With further advancements in technology, it will not only replicate the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of real meat but also allow for the addition or removal of nutrients based on individual dietary needs.
According to a report from the Korea Consumer Agency comparing the nutritional content of plant-based beef patties, plant-based alternative meat has significantly lower calories, saturated fat, and carbohydrates than conventional meat. Notably, its cholesterol level was recorded as zero.
On the other hand, it contained higher levels of nine essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, linoleic acid, phenylalanine, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
The growing number of people preferring plant-based diets is also contributing to the expansion of the alternative meat market. Plant-based meat, which extracts proteins and other nutrients from plant ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real meat, can be consumed even by strict vegans.
"Chocolate Lovers Beware" – Cacao Trees Facing Extinction, Could Lab-Grown Chocolate Be the Solution?
Recently, cocoa harvests in West Africa have significantly declined due to droughts, El Niño (ocean warming phenomenon), and pests. As a result, cocoa prices have surged, leading to a sharp increase in the price of chocolate, which relies on cocoa as its main ingredient.
To address this issue, scientists have proposed two alternatives: chocolate without cocoa (alternative chocolate) and lab-grown chocolate (cell-cultured chocolate). Professor Seung-Oh Seo from the Department of Food and Biotechnology at Seoul National University of Science and Technology stated, "Rather than replacing traditional agricultural production, the goal is to stabilize the cocoa market by developing sustainable production methods through scientific technology. Diversifying production methods would allow for better responses to sudden changes in production conditions."
Alternative chocolate is made by replacing cocoa with other ingredients that mimic the taste of chocolate. Common substitutes include carob, barley, lucuma, jackfruit seeds, chicory root, sunflower seeds, and oats.
Lab-grown chocolate is created by cultivating cocoa bean cells in a laboratory. Cells are extracted from cocoa bean seeds and placed in a bioreactor, where they are provided with the optimal conditions for growth, including the warm, humid environment and nutrients that cacao trees thrive in.
This method allows for the production of chocolate ingredients much faster than traditional methods. While it takes about seven months to harvest cocoa pods naturally, lab-grown cocoa can be produced in just three to four days. Since lab-grown cocoa is genetically identical to natural cocoa, it is expected to have a flavor closer to traditional chocolate compared to alternative chocolate.
The cell-cultured chocolate market is also growing rapidly, fueled by strong investments. The American startup California Cultured has announced plans to launch its cell-cultured chocolate products this year. The company is set to sell a cell-cultured cocoa powder with enhanced flavanol content, a key antioxidant found in cocoa, through the Japanese food company Meiji.
A research team at the University of Zurich in Switzerland has stated that commercialization of lab-grown chocolate could be possible within two years. Meanwhile, the Israeli company Celleste Bio has secured approximately 6.5 billion KRW (around $5 million) in funding to produce cell-cultured cocoa powder and butter.
식량 위기가 점차 현실화되고 있다. 환경 오염에 따른 지구온난화로 세계 곳곳에서 폭염·폭설·폭우 등 이상 기후가 나타나고 있고 이에 따른 농작물 생산량 감소로 커피, 설탕, 코코아는 물론 과일까지 푸드플레이션이 확산하는 추세다.
Everyday Foodflation… Time to Expand Sustainable and Affordable Alternative Foods
The global food crisis is becoming a reality. Due to global warming caused by environmental pollution, extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy snow, and torrential rains are occurring worldwide. As a result, crop yields are declining, leading to the spread of foodflation, affecting not only coffee, sugar, and cocoa but even fruits.
Additionally, rising sea temperatures are causing shifts in marine habitats, threatening the diversity and balance of ocean ecosystems. In South Korea, the domestic catch of squid and mackerel has plummeted, leading to a surge in seafood imports.
Lee Eun-young, an executive director at Samil PwC Management Research Institute, stated, “The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that by 2050, global food production could decrease by up to 30%, while prices could rise by as much as 50%. This serves as a warning that climate change could lead to a full-scale food crisis.”
Lee sees alternative foods as a potential solution to the food crisis brought on by climate change. Alternative foods replace animal-based proteins using plant-based extracts, cell cultivation, and microbial fermentation to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat, seafood, and dairy products. Compared to conventional food production, alternative foods require fewer resources and can be produced more quickly.
She added, “The alternative food industry is not only a solution to food shortages but also offers personalized dietary options tailored to individual preferences and needs, making it an area of growing interest. With major countries—including the U.S., EU, China, and South Korea—targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon alternative foods will continue to attract attention.”
Lee further emphasized, “The alternative food industry has significant growth potential. If government support and corporate investment go hand in hand, the industry can expand rapidly. Given the recent slowdown in global interest due to economic uncertainty, now is the perfect time to close the gap with leading global companies.”
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