While 2019 marked significant advancements in the laboratory synthesis of animal proteins, 2020 appears to be the year when consumers will start to see these products available on store shelves and restaurant menus. It’s no surprise that Perfect Day is at the forefront of this trend. With a relatively extensive background in the field, a substantial partnership with Archer Daniels Midland for large-scale production, and the successful test launch of $20 pints of ice cream, the company is firmly positioned in the industry’s spotlight. This new funding serves as a crucial component, enabling Perfect Day to bring its products to market. The company has been diligently refining its offerings behind the scenes, recently announcing plans to produce milkfat in a similar manner. With this financial backing, Perfect Day is poised to develop a range of dairy-related products, which could be marketed under its own brand as well as through collaborations with other manufacturers.
Pandya mentioned to Food Dive before the ice cream launch that it is vital for the company to release products both under its own label and in partnership with others. The ice cream, which debuted this summer, was branded as Perfect Day to “showcase the consumer benefits of our protein while initiating a conversation about this innovative approach to food production.” However, one of the founding principles of Perfect Day is to transform the industry. Pandya emphasized the challenges of making impactful changes as a small startup with a limited product range. He envisions Perfect Day becoming the food equivalent of the “Intel Inside” logo, something consumers recognize across many products, associating it with the nutrition and functionality of dairy.
The question that remains is where Perfect Day’s products will appear. While the company has not disclosed specifics, it has offered some hints. A collection of images shared with the media in a folder labeled “Future Product Portfolio” includes various items such as milk—both bottled and frothed atop coffee—ice cream, shredded and natural mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and spreadable cheddar cheese, all of which could potentially incorporate ingredients like sprouts and calcium citrate.
Perfect Day is among the first in a group of companies that have spent recent years researching fermentation and other scientific methods for producing food and beverages. Motif FoodWorks, which aims to recreate dairy, egg, and meat proteins, has announced plans to launch products in 2021. Clara Foods, focusing on animal-free egg proteins, partnered with Ingredion, which led a funding round exceeding $20 million earlier this year, to develop, market, and distribute ingredients. Additionally, cultured meat may soon become available. Just announced that its cultured chicken nuggets are ready for market—priced at $50 each—and the company is collaborating with regulators in various countries to facilitate consumer sales. Future Meat Technologies is constructing a facility in Israel to produce cultured meat, with expectations to enter the market in 2021. Furthermore, several Asia-based companies specializing in cultured seafood, including Shiok Meats and Avant Meats, conducted tastings of their prototypes this year, indicating an exciting future for these innovative food products.