What’s inside? CEOs discuss surge in lab-grown meat

Lab-grown meat, or cultured meat, is meat produced by in vitro cultivation of animal cells instead of from slaughtered animals. South Florida CEOs were asked: The growth of lab-grown meat is now surging. Have you changed to a more plant-based, less meat-based diet, and if so, why?== LamiadLamai Getty Images/iStockphoto

CEOs were asked: The growth of lab-grown meat is now surging. Have you changed to a more plant-based, less meat-based diet, and if so, why?

My consumption of meat fluctuates every few years as the literature on diet vacillates on its pros and cons. Generally, I try to eat more locally caught fish and crustaceans, particularly if I’ve caught them myself.

Andy Ansin, vice president, Sunbeam Properties

My New Year’s resolution is to get a bit healthier, be more environmentally-focused and to try to eat more plant-based and less meat. Having grown up as a committed carnivore, I am not sure what traction that will really take. Check back in with me in 30 days.

Michael Balaban, president, CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County

As a person who works out six days a week, I’m excited to further explore options that will not only contribute to my health, but also to a broader cause. I do not follow a vegan or fully plant-based diet, but have tried plant-based options and they are very tasty. My Miami operations manager follows a vegan diet and has often shared and introduced me to how it has changed her life. Additionally, restaurants overall are doing a much better job in providing great alternatives bursting with flavor that entice me to try more plant-based options. It is true that plant-based diets have less of an impact on our environment and further reduce our carbon footprint, so it is definitely something to consider.

Uhriel Bedoya, Florida general manager, Lime

For me and my family, it is not a plant versus meat issue, it’s about balance. In recent years, we have become increasingly more conscious about the food we buy and consume. We do eat less meat and incorporate vegan diets, but overall our goal is to manage a more sustainable, healthier and tasty diet.

Claudia Busch, founding principal, Berenblum Busch Architects

I have not changed my diet, nor am I concerned with lab-grown meat. In fact, lab-grown meat may be a solution to world hunger. I will continue to keep on eye on this industry and am looking forward to a day when quality lab meat is available to the masses and the slaughter of animals minimized.

Anita Byer, CEO, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

I believe in a fully balanced died that includes all food groups in moderation. I’m not too excited about lab-grown foods; prefer naturally grown and/or organic products. That said, I also recognize the need to continue to explore and perfect methods for increasing viable nutritional product production.

Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman, president, CEO, Pacific National Bank (PNB)

These days I eat much less meat that I ever eaten. I wish I could become a vegetarian, as I know that it will be best for me and the environment, but I still crave meat, so I still eat it but try to keep it to sustainably- and humanely-raised animals and fish.

Christine Franklin, president, Cherokee Enterprises

I am not plant-based per se, but the meat that I eat comes from animals that are. So, in a way, that makes me plant-based. I did love the movie Game Changer on Netflix however and my wife has been more or less Vegan since watching it.

Arnaud Karsenti, managing principal, 13th Floor Investments

I believe everyone should examine their diets and make an attempt to eat more healthily. Physicians and dieticians recommend diets with less red meat and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains rich in fiber. I personally have not changed my diet to a more plant-based one, but I am being more selective on my meat proteins, especially for my kids. While I love a great aged steak, I am trying to reserve that for special occasions and instead consuming more wild, hook-and-line caught fish and organic poultry. People must also remember that just because something is plant-based, it is not necessarily better. I am not a scientist but have read there is a lot of genetic modification in plant-based foods. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, reduce stress and see the doctor every year to lead a healthier life. Easier said than done.

Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners

The fundamental question to be asked is how are we going to provide food for 9.7 billion people by 2050. In the past 200 years, the global population went from 1 billion to 7 billion. I believe we will continue to see even more lab-grown foods, whether that’s meat or other forms of food, to be able to cater to the increase in population with ever decreasing resources to grow/cultivate food sources.

Sanket Parekh, founder and managing partner, Secocha Ventures

Having spent over 30 years in the restaurant industry, I do think that plant-based foods are getting a lot of traction with chains bringing out these products. There will be new healthy eating consumers that may for the first time step into fast food restaurants to try these products. Ultimately, great taste is what drives repeat food purchases, so if the products taste good, they will remain on the menu. It will be interesting to see if it’s a trend and not a fad. I do think the younger generation of consumers want to eat food that is “good for you” (but it better taste good).

Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting

No. I enjoy meat and am not convinced that meat is bad, especially if one emphasizes lean choices and poultry. Lab-gown “meat” is highly processed, and while I have tried Impossible Burgers, I will continue to enjoy the real thing.

Stuart Singer, administrative partner, Fort Lauderdale office, Boies Schiller & Flexner

Although I have always been a healthy eater and maintained a healthy lifestyle, I adopted a plant-based diet in 2018 and so far, so good. Most people don’t realize that there are countless options and that it is not all about eating salads every day. For me, it works because I sincerely believe that you are what you eat.

Evelio C. Torres, president, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe

=====

THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. Meet the current members of the roundtable.

RECENT QUESTIONS TO THE ROUNDTABLE HAVE INCLUDED:

▪ Should Facebook be regulated? CEOs weigh in

▪ As tech hiring slows, CEOs discuss ways to boost opportunities

▪ CEOs worry about climate change — and responding to the threat

▪ College degrees are invaluable, but technical skills also have merit

▪ CEOs spill the beans on how they get their news

▪ CEOs’ one simple rule for social media: Don’t be an embarrassment

▪ CEOs: Best holiday gifts bring cherished memories

▪ CEOs: Holidays celebrate team achievements, cement culture

▪ What is the future for commuter rail in South Florida?

▪ CEOs discuss South Florida’s cost-of-living issues

▪ CEOs in new class share their greatest professional achievements