Czech startup Bene Meat Technologies has initiated a new program, dubbed Try & Share, to encourage clients across the European Union to provide dog treats containing cultivated meat to their pets.
"Through this program, dog owners across the EU now have the opportunity to try our BeneMeat Cultivated Dog Treats, rich in cultivated meat, and share their experiences," Kateřina Dvořák Vašová, PR coordinator and researcher at Bene Meat Technologies, told Petfood Industry. "This marks another step in our long-term commitment to pushing the boundaries of pet nutrition while offering consumers innovative, sustainable and safe solutions."
Cultivated meat, also called cultured meat or cell-based meat, is real animal meat produced by directly growing animal cells in a controlled environment instead of raising and slaughtering animals, the business said in a statement.
"The process begins with a small sample of animal cells, which are nourished with essential nutrients and guided to form muscle, fat and connective tissue, replicating natural biological growth," noted Bene Meat Technologies. "The result is meat that is biologically identical to conventional meat but can be produced more sustainably, with lower environmental impact and improved animal welfare."
Roman Kříž, CEO of Bene Meat Technologies, said the company's aim is to demonstrate authenticity and deliver a high-quality experience for pets.
"We don't want imitations, but a genuine product that dogs can truly taste," Kříž said. "With this step, we not only bring cultivated meat closer to pets and their owners but also help society and regulators better understand what cultivated meat is and why it matters."
Headquartered in the Czech capital Prague, Bene Meat Technologies has worked on its product since 2020. The business is part of BTL Group.
Ukrainian pet product distributor expands in Japan
Ukrainian pet product distributor Suziria Distribution is developing its international foothold with the company's recent move to launch sales of its products in the Japanese market.
"Suziria Group brands are now present in 12 markets and counting," the company said in a statement. "Our latest milestone, Half & Half, has just entered the Japanese market. The first batch of products has arrived in Japan with the support of our trusted partner Casarich, which acts as the importer."
The brand's distribution in Japan is managed by Casarich's subsidiary Compet, according to Suziria Group.
"Expanding into Japan, a market known for its high standards and strong pet culture, is an important step forward for Half & Half," the company added. "It's also a reflection of the trust and love the brand has earned at home and abroad. Thank you to everyone who helps our brands go global. We are proud to see Ukrainian brands crossing borders and winning hearts."
Suziria Group is a pet product distributor which also has a portfolio of its own brands.
"Through long-term partnerships with 30 suppliers across Europe, Asia and the Americas, Suziria Ukraine offers a wide assortment of products to over 6,000 retail locations across Ukraine," according to the business. "The company also specializes in the development and production of pet goods, building its own brands across food, non-food and veterinary categories: Savory, Half & Half, Special One, Pet Fashion, Provet, Priroda and Puramur."
Half & Half is Suziria Group's second pet food brand, which consists of a range of snacks for cats and dogs.
"Ukraine's population is around 40 million, and pet adoption is becoming increasingly popular," Polina Kosharna, head of the board and co-owner of Suziria Group, told Petfood Industry. "The market has stabilized, and we're opening new warehouses and pet shop stores. Distribution remains our largest business, as we distribute many global brands in Ukraine, but pet store chain Master Zoo is our second largest business."
