Cultured meat startup Believe Meats has announced its CEO Gustavo Berger North Carolina met with US Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to reaffirm the company’s commitment to investing in the state.
“North Carolina is one of the best states in the country for innovative new businesses, and Believer Meats’ investment reflects that.”
The June 20 meeting held in Washington DC also included Kash Muthurman, COO of Believer Meets. The two executives met with Senators Budd and Tillis to discuss the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in North Carolina while promoting local employment and supporting economic growth.
In response, senators expressed enthusiasm for learning more about the potential of farmed meat to address food security and how North Carolina can play an important role in the industry.
“It was great to meet with Believer Meets as they continue to expand their presence in North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “Believer Meats’ investment of more than $120 million in their first US-based manufacturing facility in Wilson County that will employ more than 100 North Carolinians represents a major economic win for the state and region. North Carolina is one of the best states in the country for innovative new businesses, and Believer Meats’ investment reflects that.”
Increase production
As the farmed meat industry prepares for commercialization and greater consumer adoption in 2024, Believer Meats is building its first U.S. production facility in Wilson, North Carolina. With an expected opening in the second quarter of 2024, the new facility is said to be the world’s “largest farmed meat production facility” with the capacity to produce at least 10,000 metric tons of product.
Through its commercial facilities, Believer Meats is making an initial planned investment of $120M in Wilson County, located approximately 40 miles east of Raleigh. Believer Meats said the new facility will feature proprietary, custom-made bioreactors, a state-of-the-art facility product and food development center, a modern kitchen for tasting, and office and conference space.
The facility is expected to create more than 100 jobs over the next three years.
When scouting locations for its first U.S. manufacturing plant, Believer Meats said it explored several established manufacturing corridors across the country, but chose Wilson County because of its abundance of highly skilled STEM professionals and its thriving ecosystem of biotech and food tech companies, among other factors.
Since then, Believer Meats has Raised over $320M in financing
“Rewarding Experience”
“It was an incredibly rewarding experience introducing Believer Meats to US Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis,” said CEO Gustavo Berger. “During our meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss the commitments we are making in their home state of North Carolina, the commercialization plans, and the partnerships we are developing with local research institutions and universities. We look forward to serving both senators their first taste of faith soon.”