人造肉第一股关店撤退！网友：21世纪最狠假科技阴谋凉透了？

Core Insights - The article discusses the rise and fall of the plant-based meat industry, particularly focusing on Beyond Meat, which was once a highly sought-after investment but has now faced significant challenges and market exit [1][3][5]. Industry Overview - The plant-based meat market was predicted to grow from approximately $10 billion in 2019 to over $300 billion by 2035, capturing more than 20% of the global meat market [1]. - Initial excitement around plant-based meat was fueled by significant investments from high-profile investors like Bill Gates, with Beyond Meat raising $1.69 billion and achieving a market cap exceeding $20 billion shortly after its IPO [3][5]. Company Performance - Beyond Meat has recently closed its flagship store on Tmall and ceased production in its factory in Jiaxing, China, indicating a potential exit from the Chinese market after less than five years of operation [7][9]. - The company has reported declining revenues, with a drop from $419 million in 2022 to $326 million in 2024, and a cumulative loss of $864 million during the same period [11]. - As of Q3 2025, Beyond Meat's revenue was $214 million, a 14.37% decrease year-over-year, with a net loss of $193 million [11]. Market Challenges - The plant-based meat sector is criticized for not being able to compete with traditional meat in terms of price, taste, and nutritional value, leading to consumer rejection [13][16]. - Beyond Meat's products are priced significantly higher than real meat, with a price of approximately $109 per kilogram, which is 40% more than actual beef [13]. - Consumer feedback indicates dissatisfaction with the texture and taste of plant-based products, with a repurchase rate of only 26% [15]. Consumer Sentiment - There is a growing skepticism among consumers regarding the nutritional value and safety of plant-based meats, compounded by a lack of regulatory standards in China [16]. - The marketing strategies employed by companies like Beyond Meat have faced backlash, with accusations of "moral coercion" in promoting plant-based diets over traditional meat consumption [23]. Environmental Context - The article highlights the environmental narrative that has been used to promote plant-based meats, suggesting that it is often driven by Western perspectives that overlook their own carbon footprints [20][25]. - The disparity in meat consumption between China and the U.S. is noted, with the average Chinese person consuming only 4.2 kg of beef annually compared to 26.2 kg in the U.S. [20].