Insect Protein: What food industry leaders need to know.

The demand for insect proteins is experiencing a significant surge, with market forecasts predicting a valuation of $348.97 million by 2028, reflecting a steady annual growth rate of 3.89%. Once considered a niche market, the insect protein industry is now presenting significant opportunities across the food sector, with companies investing in insect protein production already claiming key positions globally.

Market Leaders and Key Trends

Europe is at the forefront of insect protein innovation, with legislative approvals supporting its use in food, beverages, and animal feed. For instance, the European Commission's 2023 approval of mealworms in food products has opened up new opportunities for food manufacturers.

Some of the most prominent players in this market include Aspire Food Group, Darling International Inc. (EnviroFlight), Ynsect NL BV, Protix BV, and Protenga. These companies are rapidly scaling their production capabilities, investing in partnerships, mergers, and process optimisation in order to meet the rising global demand for insect protein.

BSF production provides farmers with a way to obtain protein for animal feed, process and recycle on-farm waste, and generate by-products such as frass and leachate for soil improvement. Systems range in scale from small bins and containers to larger-scale systems with dedicated mating enclosures.

Why Insect Protein is an Exciting Prospect

From a sustainability perspective, insect protein production has a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional livestock farming. This is due to the fact that fewer resources and less land are required, which in turn leads to a notable reduction in carbon emissions.

Nutritional Value:

? Mealworms, for example, contain 51% crude protein and 43% pure protein, along with essential amino acids that benefit both human and animal health.

? Dried BSF contains 37% to 63% protein (with essential amino acids), 7% to 28% fat, and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Insect protein is a versatile ingredient with a growing range of applications. It is being used in food production, animal feed and even pet food to enhance nutritional content.

At Steiner, we’re closely monitoring developments in the insect protein space and the opportunities it could bring to the industry. Drawing on global expertise and the best practices of industry leaders, Steiner is working to offer the food industry a sustainable, cost-effective resource.

This is more than an eco-friendly alternative; it’s an investment in the future. With this approach, the food industry can reduce its reliance on conventional protein sources, enhancing resilience and sustainability in the long term.

The rise in insect farming, supportive regulations, and technological advancements in insect protein production are creating powerful momentum for this market. For companies that are adopting these solutions now, insect protein could become a significant competitive edge within the global food tech landscape.

Drawing on global expertise and best practices from industry leaders, Steiner is developing comprehensive solutions to support our partners' business growth—from turnkey production facilities (from larvae cultivation to the finished product) to specialized solutions for insect breeding and processing.

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