Opalia Completes First Sale of Cell-Based Milk
The company sold its first batch to an investor, marking a step toward future testing of lab-grown dairy products.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food
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Opalia has completed the first commercial sale of whole milk created from bovine mammary cells to its investor, Hoogwegt. The companies plan to use the material to develop dairy products like cheese and yogurt while preparing for future regulatory approvals.
Why it matters
This sale represents a shift in dairy production, as manufacturers look toward cell-based alternatives to supplement conventional supplies. While consumers cannot yet purchase these products, the collaboration marks a step toward industrial-scale development of lab-grown milk components.
This sale marks the first verified transaction of whole milk produced from bovine mammary cells in a modular bioreactor. While the technology is currently capable of producing 28 litres per day, the potential for wider availability and health outcomes remains under investigation.
The players
Opalia
A Montreal-based biotechnology company specializing in the development of cell-based dairy production technology.
Hoogwegt
An Arnhem-based global dairy ingredients provider and investor in cell-based dairy innovation.
The details
Opalia uses a proprietary bioreactor system to cultivate bovine mammary cells, which then produce milk components identical to those from a cow. Hoogwegt will utilize this initial batch to conduct composition testing and develop prototypes for various dairy applications, including butter and yoghurt. The process aims to provide a controlled environment for generating dairy proteins and fats without the traditional farming requirements.
Timeline
2024: Hoogwegt invested in Opalia's CAD $2 million funding round.
August 2025: The companies signed a two-year commercial agreement.
November 17-19, 2026: The companies will present a prototype at the Fi Europe trade show.
2028: Opalia is targeting the achievement of food grade status.
Health Landscape
The dairy industry is currently exploring cellular agriculture as a way to produce dairy proteins outside of conventional farming systems. This development follows a pattern of investment in synthetic alternatives that aim to replicate the composition of traditional dairy products.
For now, this technology remains in the product development phase and is not available for purchase. While these innovations may eventually offer new options for those managing dairy intake, individuals should continue to follow current dietary guidance regarding conventional dairy.
The takeaway
The commercialization of cell-based milk is an emerging trend to track as companies move toward regulatory testing. Until these products reach the consumer market, prioritize evidence-based dietary staples and discuss any significant changes to your dairy consumption with a physician.
What happens next
Opalia plans to seek North American regulatory approval by October 2027.
Further reading
For more on the evolving standards and developments in dairy alternatives, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by vegconomist - the vegan business magazine.
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Would you buy milk produced from bovine cells instead of from a traditional dairy farm?
