May 11, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

The supermarket is no longer a one-size-fits-all establishment, and consumers are no longer passive players in the food supply chain. As health and wellness continue to emerge as leading consumer concerns, the connection between people and their food choices has taken on a deeper significance.

In recent years, there has been a remarkable shift in the way we view food and its role in our health. The concept of “food as medicine” has gained significant traction, emphasizing the powerful impact that proper nutrition can have on our well-being.

Scientific research has provided compelling evidence regarding the connection between diet and disease. Studies have shown that certain foods possess medicinal properties, containing a wide array of beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, and essential nutrients that support our body’s natural healing processes.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, has prompted individuals and healthcare professionals to seek alternative approaches to managing these conditions.

Closely tied to the food-as-medicine movement is cellular ag and food development. CULT Food Science is the first publicly traded company of its kind in North America pioneering the investment, development, and commercialization of some of the most innovative cellular ag technologies and products. 

As a leader in the field, CULT Food Science has recently announced a share exchange agreement with Peqish Group, Food & Hospitality (Peqish) for the formation of a joint venture committing the partners to a strategic collaboration for the development and commercialization of cellular agriculture and food products within the medical foods framework. 

“Precision nutrition, designer foods, cellular agriculture, and precision fermentation are all symbiotic,” said Lejjy Gafour, CEO, CULT Food Science. “Being able to design and change the profile of advanced food – for truly impactful benefits to health, is a promising suite of technologies which will benefit both new food products and pet foods alike.”

Gafour continued, “Being able to create evidence-based products using disciplined approaches, be it for a particular condition or nutritional goal, will be a driving force at the frontiers of food to help us address more than just food security challenges, but also issues we face globally with food nutrition.”

Under the terms of the agreement, each partner company will make contributions to the venture and fulfill their obligations within their respective organizations and personnel. But, if the venture advances to the commercialization stage, a new, 50-50 subsidiary company will be launched.

CULT has agreed to commit 100 percent of the startup costs, including initial product design and branding, core competencies in design research, new ideation and validation, program management, recruitment, and investment. Peqish will be contributing insight, industry network, and knowledge in the culinary medicine and clinical spheres, and will provide access to its team of clinical and scientific experts for conducting trials and validating products identified as adhering to culinary medical principles. 

“Our partnership with Cult Food Science is an exciting step forward in the field of cellular agriculture,” said Dr. Anthony Marotta, CEO, Peqish. “It’s important to explore sustainable and innovative solutions to address our planet’s growing food demands.”

“By leveraging new technology with clinical science, we can bring forth products that provide measurable health benefits to the public while reducing our dependence on traditional farming practices. I’m equally excited to join Cult Food Sciences’ scientific advisory board and work with the other members of the team to secure a better future for all.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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