a. What inspired you to co-found Meat the Next, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
Mr Edmund Chan was driven by a mission to combat climate change through dietary changes. His experience in large corporations focused on developing healthy, sustainable menus led him to identify the growing trend of plant-based milk, particularly as a solution for the many people suffering from lactose intolerance. However, he recognized that most existing options were high in sugar and artificial additives. This insight inspired him to gather a team of experts to create delicious, nutritionally balanced, and affordable dairy-free products.
With a robust Hong Kong-based R&D team and esteemed professors as advisors, TIGA MILK emerged, distinguished by its nutritional richness and smooth texture. It is crafted without added sugars, utilizing natural plant sweetness while providing additional health benefits for the skin and heart.
As part of the global sustainability movement, TIGA MILK not only addresses lactose intolerance but also aims for scalability through strategic partnerships in Hong Kong and mainland China. The company employs franchising and licensing models to penetrate the global market rapidly. Our commitment to sustainability leverages unique resources, including sustainable tiger nuts and patented biotechnologies, propelling us toward continued innovation and market success while tackling local inclusion challenges.
b. How does Meat the Next's vision align with the broader global push for sustainable food solutions?
Desertification, often overlooked, affects a quarter of the Earth’s land and exacerbates climate change. With rising global temperatures and water scarcity, dietary changes are essential. Meat the Next is investing in resilient crops like tiger nuts, which thrive in arid regions and have a reduced carbon and water footprint. Collaborating with local professors, we are exploring the unique taste and texture of tiger nuts, resulting in our flagship product, TIGA MILK. This innovative dairy-free option sets a new industry standard for sustainability and social inclusion, reflecting our commitment to aligning with the global movement for sustainable food solutions while addressing urgent environmental challenges.
How do you foresee the future of the plant-based food industry, and what role do you expect Meat the Next to play in it?
The future of the plant-based food industry is bright, driven by increasing consumer demand for health-conscious and sustainable options. As people prioritize their health and seek to reduce their environmental impact, interest in plant-based diets will continue to grow. Innovations in food technology, particularly biotechnology, will enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of these products, appealing to a broader audience. Regulatory support for plant-based initiatives will further facilitate mainstream adoption across major retailers and restaurants.
In this dynamic landscape, Meat the Next is uniquely positioned to lead. By operating a contract farm focused on non-GMO, organic ingredients like tiger nuts, soybeans, and oats, we ensure the quality and consistency of our products, meeting the demand for clean-label offerings. Leveraging our resources and technologies, Meat the Next is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of the plant-based food market.
2. Product Range and Differentiation
a. Meat the Next offers a diverse range of products, from raw materials to finished goods. What strategy drives this product diversification?
Meat the Next’s product diversification is driven by our contract farm that cultivates exclusive non-GMO and organic raw materials on certified plantations. Equipped with advanced AI systems, we monitor water levels and pest infestations. Our extensive R&D focuses on natural breeding and extraction techniques, preserving unique plant sources. Through patented biotechnologies, we enhance flexibility for Co-R&D partnerships, enabling the development of co-branded products. This strategic approach establishes entry barriers in the future food market.
b. How do you differentiate your offerings in a highly competitive plant-based food market?
Our flagship product, TIGA MILK, stands out as the only plant-based milk made from a unique blend of tiger nuts, soybeans, and oats, promoting sustainability and well-being. The tiger nuts provide a dairy-like taste, enhancing richness and smoothness while addressing common issues in other plant-based milks, such as watery textures and sedimentation. TIGA MILK is rich in calcium, free from added sugars, and packed with antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting cardiovascular health. Endorsements from respected organizations, including Jardines Group and Mizuho Bank, further validate its quality and appeal in the local community.
c. Could you share more about the patented technology behind your odourless and non-GMO soybeans?
We have conducted extensive research to cultivate unique ingredients like odourless and non-GMO soybeans and tiger nuts. For our non-GMO soybeans, we employ AI detection to identify soybean plants lacking a specific enzyme that causes a strong beany aftertaste. Using natural breeding methods, we produce these odourless varieties, which can also provide health benefits like lowering cholesterol. Our patented enzymatic technology for tiger nuts extracts their nutritional essence, significantly increasing yield and creating a richer, creamier texture, while enhancing viscosity and foaming ability in beverages, including coffee.
d. How important is flexibility in product use (e.g., semi-products) for your clients, and how have they responded to it?
3. R&D and Innovation
a. What are the core areas of focus for your R&D team at the MTN R&D Centre?
b. Could you share any innovative breakthroughs or projects that are currently in the pipeline?
TIGA MILK is a game-changer made from sustainable tiger nuts, enriched with antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. Our patented enzymatic technology ensures it retains essential nutrients, promoting skin and cardiovascular health. With a richer, smoother texture and no added sugars, TIGA MILK supports overall well-being. Cultivating tiger nuts in desert and rural areas helps combat desertification and fosters rural development by creating employment opportunities. TIGA MILK transforms sustainable ingredients into nutritious, affordable dairy-free products, aligning with the global sustainability movement.
c. How does your R&D team stay ahead of industry trends, especially in terms of creating healthier, tastier plant-based products?
d. How do you balance innovation and scalability when developing new products?
4. Health and Nutrition
a. How do your products contribute to addressing global health challenges, such as reducing obesity or improving heart health?
b. Are there any new nutritional enhancements or ingredients that you are particularly excited about?
5. Sustainability Initiatives
a. Sustainability is at the core of your company’s mission. How does Meat the Next minimise its environmental impact throughout the supply chain?
b. What specific sustainability goals has your company set, and how close are you to achieving them?
c. How do you ensure your packaging and manufacturing processes align with your sustainability commitments?
d. How does Meat the Next contribute to the reduction of the global food industry's carbon footprint?
6. Customization and Client Collaboration
a. Meat the Next offers tailored solutions to businesses. Could you share an example of a successful client collaboration that highlights your customization capabilities?
b. How do you maintain quality and consistency when creating customised solutions for large-scale clients?
c. What role do your engineers and nutrition experts play in co-developing new plant-based food products with clients?
7. Consumer Trends and Behavior
a. What consumer trends are driving the plant-based food movement, and how is Meat the Next adapting to them?
b. How do you see consumer preferences evolving in the next few years in terms of plant-based alternatives?
c. How do you educate consumers about the health and sustainability benefits of choosing plant-based products?
8. Market Challenges and Competition
a. What are some of the biggest challenges Meat the Next has faced in scaling its operations, and how have you addressed them?
9. Supply Chain and Sourcing
a. How do you ensure the sustainability and ethical standards of your supply chain?
We are committed to preserving 10% of global desert areas through tiger nut plantations, aiming for a land degradation-neutral world by 2030, in line with UN goals. Our TIGA MILK significantly reduces carbon emissions by 86% compared to dairy milk, which is equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road, showcasing our dedication to environmental sustainability and impactful change.
Social Impact:TIGA MILK focuses on fair trade practices that promote social inclusion and empower youth while enhancing community well-being. By cultivating exclusive tiger nuts and non-GMO soybeans, we uplift rural economies, increasing farmers’ incomes and creating hundreds of job opportunities. Additionally, we address lactose intolerance in Asia, fostering inclusivity and empowering marginalized groups, ultimately driving positive social change through wellness and sustainability.
b. What challenges have you encountered with sourcing plant-based ingredients, and how have you overcome them?
10. Global Expansion and Partnerships
a. Meat the Next has a strong presence in the plant-based market. What are your plans for global expansion?
b. Are there any key markets you are targeting for growth in the near future, and why?
We are targeting key markets like Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the UAE, and Australia for growth. In Mainland China, there’s a significant demand for plant-based milk due to unmet needs regarding high sugar content and artificial flavorings, driving interest in cleaner, nutrient-rich products. Hong Kong’s similar eating habits provide a comparative advantage in this market.
In Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, we’re focusing on understanding local market needs to enhance our presence in the plant-based category.
In the UAE, a 50% sugar tax necessitates dairy-free options without added sugar, aligning with our TIGA MILK offerings. Our market-driven technology positions us well for co-R&D partnerships, enabling the development of innovative dairy-free products.
11. Participation in Global Events
a. Meat the Next has participated in several key events. How important is your presence at global events like COP and other sustainability forums? How do you leverage your participation in these events to promote plant-based solutions and engage with stakeholders?
b. What are some key takeaways or outcomes from your involvement in major events like COP or similar sustainability-focused summits?
12. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
a. How does Meat the Next approach Corporate Social Responsibility, especially in relation to sustainability and community engagement?
b. How does Meat the Next contribute to educational or advocacy efforts around plant-based diets and sustainability?
13. Future Outlook and Strategic Goals
a. What are Meat the Next’s top priorities for the next 3–5 years?
14. Awards and Recognition
a. Meat the Next has received several accolades, such as the 9th Hong Kong University Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition. How have these awards impacted the company’s growth and credibility?
b. Can you share your experience with participating in the GBA Outstanding ESG Youth Business Competition, and how has this aligned with your ESG goals?
Participating in competitions like the GBA Outstanding ESG Youth Business Competition and the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge (HKSEC) has significantly aligned with Meat the Next’s ESG goals. Our accolades include:
Feb 2023: Greatest Potential for Social Impact in Global Launchpad for Social Entrepreneurs Program
Mar 2023: 1st Runner Up in Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge (HKSEC) 22-23
Jun 2023: SDG Enterprise Awards 2023 – Outstanding Enterprise
Aug 2023: Green Innovation Competition 2023 – My Favourite Start-up
Sep 2023: Climate Action Recognition Scheme – Winning Enterprise
Nov 2023: Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence – Meat the Next
May 2024: Fuel Up – Social Impact Award
Aug 2024: Green Innovation Competition 2024 – My Favourite Start-up and Winning Enterprise
These recognitions have validated our mission of promoting social inclusion and environmental sustainability. They provide platforms to connect with supportive mentors, refine our strategies for reducing our carbon footprint, and expand our network, facilitating partnerships with like-minded startups and corporations, ultimately enhancing our capacity to combat climate change and create meaningful social impact.
c. How do awards and recognitions influence your strategy and future goals?
15. Product Launches and Innovation
a. You recently launched plant-based ice cream designed specifically for Asian markets. How has this product been received, and what inspired its development?
b. Can you share more about your plans to collaborate with coffee and milk tea shops for future product launches?
c. How does your team balance innovation with consumer preferences when developing new plant-based products?
16. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
a. What are your long-term sustainability goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our mission is to drive diet change as a solution to climate change. We are committed to preserving 10% of global desert areas through tiger nut plantations, aiming for a land degradation-neutral world by 2030, in alignment with United Nations goals. To enhance agricultural sustainability, we employ AI irrigation systems that reduce water usage while monitoring crop health, thus improving yield and quality.
TIGA MILK significantly reduces carbon emissions by 86% compared to dairy milk, equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the road based on average emissions per vehicle. This represents a remarkable 693% increase in carbon reduction from the previous year, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Through fair trade practices, TIGA MILK promotes social inclusion and youth empowerment, uplifting rural communities and generating hundreds of job opportunities. We aim to make a broader impact by providing delicious, affordable dairy-free products tailored to local markets, and distributing TIGA MILK to hospitals, elderly homes, and schools. Our initiatives not only deliver health benefits but also educate participants on innovative food technology, establishing TIGA MILK as a healthy choice for people and the planet.