The Future of Protein: Harnessing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Mealworm Production

by Jurjen van der Werf and Evert Hein Schuiteman

This article is part of a series of short LinkedIn blogs by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest. Here we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies.

In our previous article about mealworms (find it here), we debunked the notion that mealworms are a harmful food source. We underscored the significant role they can play in enhancing diet quality, given their robust protein profile - a whopping 55% - and their completeness in supplying all essential amino acids. Previously, mealworms were largely reserved for animal feed. However, the recent years have seen a shift in their role towards human food, with the EU allowing the use of mealworms for human consumption. This broadens the horizon for mealworms, as they are poised to shape the future of nutrition for both animals and humans.

?What makes this even more exciting is that the merits of mealworms extend beyond dietary health—they also stand out as a remarkably sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. For instance, these insects leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint, require less water, and are not as land dependent. The figure below offers a comparative overview of different protein sources, highlighting the superior sustainability metrics of mealworms.

The realization of these sustainability benefits hinges critically on the price-competitiveness of mealworm proteins against alternative protein sources, particularly with regards to animal feed. As such, we're of the view that for companies in the mealworm farming sector, their right to win lies in their ability to operate at comparatively low marginal costs while upholding a consistent, high-quality protein yield.

Our portfolio company, Starfood Holland , has a leading position in the mealworm farming market. As founder and co-owner Wim Soetendaal explains: “With our partly automated farming operation in Hungary we have the scale and efficiency to produce at a competitive marginal cost while ensuring consistent quality. In addition, we pelletize the mealworm manure and use these pellets to generate the energy to maintain the farms at optimal farming temperature. As such, we further reduce the marginal costs”.?

In conclusion, mealworms mark a pivotal shift in the protein industry, both nutritionally and sustainably. The success lies in efficient production, as demonstrated by our portfolio company, Star Food. Their innovative approach is helping to shape a more sustainable Food & Agri sector. Stay tuned for more insights and developments from Anders Invest as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of this industry.

#sustainable #mealworm #mealwormproduction #agribusiness #investing #foodandfeed #insectprotein #proteintransition

Special thanks to Marlèn Bosnjak , Noa Widdershoven , Theo van Stuijvenberg , Saskia Korink Romani , Roderik Bronkhorst , Maike De Groot