NEW TECH FOODS

UK cultivated fat producer Hoxton Farms has submitted its first regulatory dossier to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), seeking approval to commercialise its cultivated pork fat in Singapore.

The submission marks a key milestone in the company’s regulatory and commercial roadmap, as it targets expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore remains the only country to have approved cultivated meat for sale, and has since positioned itself as a global leader in food innovation and safety regulation.

The dossier was led by Vítor Espírito Santo, Hoxton Farms’ chief scientific officer, who previously oversaw the world’s first regulatory approval for cultivated meat in Singapore. The company has developed a patented, low-capex biomanufacturing platform designed to grow animal fat cells at scale, combining expertise in cell biology, AI and bioprocess engineering.

“Our cultivated fat isn’t just about delivering delicious taste," said Espírito Santo. "It’s a healthier, more resilient and sustainable ingredient that can strengthen food systems worldwide. This submission reflects the extraordinary work of our team and the real progress Hoxton Farms has made in the biomanufacturing technologies needed to make that future possible.”

Hoxton’s cultivated pork fat – marketed as Hoxton Fat – is intended as a functional ingredient for use in hybrid and plant-based meat products, offering the flavour and performance of conventional animal fat with improved nutritional and environmental profiles.

Max Jamilly, co-founder and CEO of Hoxton Farms, added: “This milestone marks the start of our regulatory journey, with many more submissions ahead as we bring cultivated fat to market across APAC and worldwide".

The company plans to file additional dossiers in the UK, North America and other Asian markets over the coming months. In 2025, Hoxton Farms was selected for the Food Standards Agency’s Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox in England and Wales, which aims to support companies navigating the regulatory pathway for novel foods.

The SFA remains a pioneer in cultivated food regulation, having previously approved products including cultivated chicken, quail and pet food. Singapore’s regulatory framework is recognised for its transparency and collaboration with industry, supporting its broader '30 by 30' food security goal to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.

The submission was coordinated by Joe Taylor, head of innovation at Hoxton Farms, following years of R&D, process validation and safety testing.

“Submitting our first regulatory dossier is an exciting and defining moment for Hoxton Farms,” added Taylor. “Singapore’s leadership in food innovation has set a global standard and we’re looking forward to working closely with the SFA to bring cultivated fat to consumers safely and responsibly.”