Australia hosts first cultivated meat tasting at NSW Parliament

Cultivated Meat & Seafood

Australia hosts first cultivated meat tasting at NSW Parliament

Rafaela Sousa

11 June 2025

Australia hosts first cultivated meat tasting at NSW Parliament

Australia’s first official tasting of cultivated meat took place on Thursday 29 May at the New South Wales Parliament, with Magic Valley serving samples of its lab-grown lamb meatballs and pork dumplings to MPs and government officials.

The event, held on the Parliament's Rooftop Garden, was attended by treasurer Daniel Mookhey and minister for innovation Anoulack Chanthivong, among others. Hosted by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, the tasting aimed to highlight the potential of cultivated meat as a future food solution.

“It was delicious. This type of meat is guilt free: no animal cruelty, no deforestation, and saves water and CO2 emissions,” said Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, one of several lawmakers who tried the products.

Melbourne-based Magic Valley is currently seeking investment to build its first commercial manufacturing site and has received a $100,000 grant from the Federal Government. It is also eligible for up to $5 million through the Industry Growth Program.

CEO Paul Bevan said the technology could offer broader benefits beyond food innovation, including job creation and export opportunities. “With support from both government and private investors, we can build advanced facilities, create regional employment, and export high-tech protein to the world".

Australia joins a growing number of countries exploring the regulatory and commercial pathways for cultivated meat, which has been approved in markets such as the US and Singapore.

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