Singapore has granted Australian company Vow regulatory approval to sell lab-grown quail meat. This marks the second company to receive such permission from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), furthering the city-state’s commitment to alternative proteins. The announcement comes as Vow prepares to launch its first product, the Forged Parfait, in select restaurants.

The cultivated quail product, featured in a tasting event on April 3, offers a rich and unique flavor, differing from more conventional meats like chicken and pork. The company’s CEO, George Peppou, emphasized that Vow aims to develop products that don’t directly compete with traditional meat, instead offering a distinct taste experience. The parfait is made using quail cells, enhanced with butter and seasoning to highlight the bird’s natural gaminess.

Starting from a small sample of Japanese quail cells, the company isolated specific cells responsible for taste and texture, cultivating them in bioreactors. This process allows for the scalable production of quail-based foods without the need for further approvals. Vow’s quail parfait will be available as part of a high-end tasting menu from April 12.

Despite industry challenges, including cost pressures and delays in other cultivated meat projects, Vow remains optimistic. The firm has raised US$49.2 million in funding and is confident in its product’s potential. Peppou noted that Vow has focused on innovation and efficiency to develop a sustainable, novel product in the competitive alternative protein market.

Vow previously made headlines in 2023 by creating a lab-grown “mammoth meatball,” showcasing its ambition to use science for both sustainability and groundbreaking food innovation.