Hoxton Farms and Sumitomo Corporation have formed a strategic partnership to bring Hoxton Fat, a cultivated pork fat, to the Asia-Pacific market. This collaboration will focus on addressing public health and food security challenges in the region through innovative food ingredients.
“This partnership will serve as a key pillar in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Japan and the UK”
The partnership with Sumitomo Corporation will leverage the latter’s expertise in agri-food and supply chain management to facilitate the introduction of Hoxton Fat to food manufacturers across Asia. The two companies will also work closely with food safety regulators, including the Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture (JACA), to ensure the ingredient meets regulatory standards prior to commercialization.
Max Jamilly, CEO of Hoxton Farms, commented on the partnership: “Sumitomo’s established network and expertise are key to bringing our cultivated fat to Asia, where we see an increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options.”
Meat consumption challenges
Asia’s rapidly growing meat consumption has been linked to an increase in diet-related diseases, including obesity, which affects over 40% of adults in the region, according to Hoxton Farms. As demand for meat is projected to rise by 78% by 2050, concerns over the environmental and economic impacts of traditional meat production have also intensified.
In response to these issues, Hoxton Farms has developed Hoxton Fat, a cultivated fat product derived from pork stem cells. This fat alternative offers a healthier option compared to traditional animal fats, with the potential for customization to meet specific nutritional needs. Hoxton Fat can be used as a drop-in replacement in various food products, from soups and sauces to meat-based items, allowing manufacturers to reduce reliance on both animal fats and plant oils.
Takeo Kojima, Head of Sumitomo Corporation’s Agri-Innovation Unit, added: “We view Hoxton Farms’ cultivated fat as an important step forward in addressing food security challenges in Asia, providing a more sustainable and healthier alternative to traditional animal fats.”
Hoxton Farms is also exploring ways to further improve the health profile of Hoxton Fat, including reducing saturated fat content and enhancing beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. These developments seek to address the growing concerns about public health in Asia, particularly in urban areas where unhealthy dietary habits are most prevalent.
Strengthening food security
JACA, which works to develop policy and industry guidelines for cellular agriculture in Japan, has expressed support for the collaboration, noting its potential to strengthen both food security and sustainability in the region.
President Megumi Avigail Yoshitomi stated, “The collaboration […] enables Japanese stakeholders efficient access to groundbreaking technologies, production facilities, and essential information regarding safety and taste in addressing challenges in food supply. We hope that this partnership will serve as a key pillar in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Japan and the UK in the field of food technology.”
