The global dairy industry is undergoing major change. Competitors with synthetic milk now join the competition from food alternatives that are not produced from animals.
Synthetic milk does not need cows or animals. It may have the same biochemical structure as animal milk, but it is created by a new biotechnology method called “precision fermentation” that produces biomass grown from cells.
With more than 80% of the world’s population unable to consume dairy products regularly, there are increasing calls for moving beyond animal-based food systems to transition to sustainable forms of food production. Unlike synthetic meat, synthetic milk is said to taste, look and feel exactly the same as regular milk. Also, synthetic milk is not a sci-fi product and is available now. For example, the animal-free micro-flora protein produced by the Perfect Day company in the USA is then used in the production of ice cream, protein powder and milk. In Australia, the company Eden Brew is working on the development of synthetic milk.
Another Australian company, All G Foods, has raised A$25 million this month. This investment will be used to reduce the cost of synthetic milk production, and the company aims to have synthetic milk cheaper than cow’s milk within seven years. If the synthetic dairy industry overall can meet this cost target, it could have a serious impact on the animal-derived dairy industry.
Also, a 2019 report on the future of the dairy industry determined that by 2030, the US precision fermentation industry will employ at least 700,000 people.
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