Thai Union has made an investment in Aleph Farms, a company specializing in the production of meat grown from cells.

A leading processor in the seafood industry has expanded its investment in alternative protein sources by contributing to the funding of a top cell-cultivated meat startup, Aleph Farms, as it seeks Series B financing. Thai Union is among the prominent investors backing the company's expansion efforts. On July 7, 2021, Thai Union Group PCL disclosed that its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Fund is participating in the Series B funding round of Aleph Farms, an Israel-based innovator in cell-cultivated meat, contributing to a total of $105 million raised. Established in 2017, Aleph Farms stands at the forefront of the cell-cultivated meat sector, producing beef steaks from cells without the need for animal slaughter, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative for meat consumption. The funds from this round are earmarked for the global commercial launch of their beef steaks and the expansion of their product line, aiming for a market debut in 2022. Aleph Farms has also developed a prototype of a cultivated ribeye steak using 3-D bioprinting technology, marking a world first in this field. Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability as key to the industry's future success. He highlighted the importance of sustainable protein sources in meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population and expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Aleph Farms to achieve a shared vision of a sustainable food system. Didier Toubia, Co-Founder and CEO of Aleph Farms, expressed excitement about Thai Union joining the investment round, noting the alignment of missions between the two companies to foster a more sustainable, equitable, and secure global food system. Thai Union's CVC fund targets investments in alternative proteins, functional nutrition, biotechnology, and new food value chain technologies, supporting early-stage companies in these areas to accelerate their development and industry growth, in line with Thai Union's commitment to healthy living and oceans. About Thai Union Group: Thai Union Group PCL is a global leader in the seafood industry, offering a wide range of high-quality, innovative seafood products for over 40 years. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Thai Union operates worldwide, with a portfolio of leading international and Thai brands. The company is a proud member of the United Nations Global Compact and a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, with a strong track record in sustainability recognized by its consistent ranking in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and inclusion in the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. About Aleph Farms: Aleph Farms specializes in growing beef steaks from cells, providing a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional beef production. Co-founded in 2017 by Didier Toubia, The Kitchen Hub of the Strauss Group, and Professor Shulamit Levenberg, Aleph Farms aims to reduce the environmental impact of meat production. The company has garnered support from leading global food and meat companies in its funding rounds, demonstrating its potential to transform the food industry. For more information, visit their website. Media Contacts: For further information, please contact Wiriyaporn Posayanonda or Jirawat Montreevong at Thai Union.