Edible Insects Market Introduction
The edible insects market refers to the market for insects that are used for human consumption. Insects have been consumed by humans for centuries in various cultures, and are considered a highly nutritious and sustainable source of food. The consumption of insects as a food source has gained increasing attention in recent years due to their low environmental impact and high nutritional value.Edible insects are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and have been shown to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock farming. Insects also require less feed, water, and land to produce the same amount of protein compared to conventional livestock, making them a more sustainable and efficient food source.The global edible insects market is segmented by product type, which includes beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants, grasshoppers, crickets, and others. The market is also segmented by application, which includes food and beverage, animal feed, and others.The food and beverage segment is the largest segment of the edible insects market and includes the use of insects in a variety of food products such as snacks, protein bars, pasta, and burgers. The animal feed segment includes the use of insects in animal feed, primarily for aquaculture and poultry farming.North America and Europe are the largest markets for edible insects, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for sustainable and healthy food sources, the rising population, and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects.Overall, the edible insects market is a growing market that is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthy food sources, the rising population, and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects.
Edible Insects Market Size
The global edible insects market size was valued at USD 112 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 47.7% during the forecast period (2021-2026).The growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, along with their low environmental impact and high protein content, are the major drivers of the market growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for sustainable food sources, the rising population, and the growing demand for insect-based food products are also expected to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years.The food and beverage segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for insect-based food products such as snacks, protein bars, and burgers. The animal feed segment is also expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing use of insects in animal feed, primarily for aquaculture and poultry farming.Geographically, North America and Europe are the largest markets for edible insects due to the growing demand for sustainable and healthy food sources. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for protein-rich food sources and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects.Overall, the global edible insects market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthy food sources, the rising population, and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects.
Edible Insects Market Share
The global edible insects market is highly fragmented, with several small and large players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include:
- Aspire Food Group
- Entomo Farms
- Haocheng Mealworms Inc.
- Kreca Ento-Food BV
- Jimini's
- Eat Grub
- Nordic Insect Economy Ltd.
- Exo Inc.
- Thailand Unique
- Bugsolutely
Aspire Food Group and Entomo Farms are currently the largest players in the market, accounting for a significant share of the market. These companies offer a wide range of insect-based food products and are actively engaged in research and development activities to develop new products and improve their product offerings.North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for edible insects, accounting for the majority of the market share. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for protein-rich food sources and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects.Overall, the edible insects market is a highly competitive market with several key players operating globally. These players are actively engaged in research and development activities to develop new products and gain market share. The market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthy food sources.
Edible Insects Market Trends
The edible insects market is witnessing several trends that are shaping the growth of the market. Some of the key trends in the market include:
- Increasing demand for insect-based food products: The demand for insect-based food products such as snacks, protein bars, and burgers is increasing due to their high protein content and low environmental impact. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, driving the growth of the market.
- Growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects: Consumers are becoming more aware of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, which are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This trend is expected to drive the demand for insect-based food products in the coming years.
- Increasing use of insects in animal feed: Insects are being used increasingly in animal feed, primarily for aquaculture and poultry farming. This is due to their high protein content, which makes them an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources such as soybean and fishmeal.
- Development of new insect-based food products: Companies operating in the market are actively engaged in research and development activities to develop new insect-based food products. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, driving the growth of the market.
- Regulatory support for edible insects: Several countries are providing regulatory support for the production and consumption of edible insects. This is expected to encourage the growth of the market in the coming years.
Overall, the edible insects market is witnessing several trends that are driving the growth of the market. The increasing demand for insect-based food products, growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, and the development of new insect-based food products are expected to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years.
Edible Insects Market Driving factors
There are several driving factors behind the growth of the edible insects market. Some of the key driving factors include:
- Nutritional benefits: Edible insects are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and high in fiber, making them a healthy alternative to traditional protein sources such as meat.
- Environmental sustainability: The production of edible insects requires significantly less water, land, and feed compared to traditional livestock. Insects also emit fewer greenhouse gases, making them an environmentally sustainable food source.
- Growing population: The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which is expected to increase the demand for food. Edible insects provide a sustainable and nutritious food source that can help meet the growing demand for food.
- Increasing demand for protein: The demand for protein is increasing due to the growing awareness of its health benefits. Edible insects are a rich source of protein, which is driving their demand as a food source.
- Innovative product development: Companies are developing innovative insect-based food products, such as snacks, protein bars, and burgers, which are attracting consumers and driving the growth of the market.
- Regulatory support: Several countries are providing regulatory support for the production and consumption of edible insects. This is expected to encourage the growth of the market in the coming years.
Overall, the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits and environmental sustainability of edible insects, along with the increasing demand for protein and innovative product development, are the key driving factors behind the growth of the edible insects market.
Edible Insects Market Reginal Analysis
The edible insects market is growing rapidly in various regions of the world, driven by factors such as growing demand for protein, increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, and environmental sustainability. Here is a brief regional analysis of the edible insects market:
- North America: North America is a significant market for edible insects due to the growing demand for alternative protein sources and the increasing popularity of insect-based food products. The US and Canada are the major countries contributing to the growth of the market in this region.
- Europe: Europe is also a significant market for edible insects due to the growing demand for sustainable protein sources and the increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects. The Netherlands, Belgium, and France are the major countries contributing to the growth of the market in this region.
- Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for edible insects, accounting for the highest market share globally. The market in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for protein and the growing population. Thailand, China, and Vietnam are the major countries contributing to the growth of the market in this region.
- Latin America: Latin America is an emerging market for edible insects, driven by factors such as the increasing demand for alternative protein sources and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects. Mexico and Brazil are the major countries contributing to the growth of the market in this region.
Overall, the edible insects market is growing rapidly in various regions of the world, with the Asia Pacific region leading the market in terms of market share. However, North America and Europe are also significant markets for edible insects, driven by factors such as increasing demand for protein and growing awareness of the environmental sustainability and nutritional benefits of edible insects.
Edible Insects Market Forecasts 2030
The edible insects market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing demand for sustainable protein sources, growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, and innovative product development. According to market research reports, the global edible insects market size is projected to reach $1.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23.8% from 2021 to 2030.The Asia Pacific region is expected to continue dominating the market in terms of market share, owing to the increasing demand for protein and growing population in countries such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Europe and North America are also expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the market due to the increasing awareness of the environmental sustainability and nutritional benefits of edible insects, as well as the growing demand for alternative protein sources.In terms of product type, the demand for insect-based snacks and bars is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as consumers are increasingly looking for healthy and convenient snack options. Insect-based protein powder and flour are also expected to gain traction, as they can be used as an ingredient in various food products, such as baked goods and pasta.Overall, the edible insects market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing demand for sustainable protein sources, growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects, and innovative product development. The Asia Pacific region is expected to continue leading the market in terms of market share, followed by Europe and North America.
Edible Insects Market Key Industry Players
The global edible insects market is highly fragmented, with several key players operating in the market. Here are some of the key industry players in the edible insects market:
- Entomo Farms: Entomo Farms is a Canada-based company that specializes in the farming and distribution of edible insects, including crickets, mealworms, and superworms. The company offers a range of insect-based food products, including protein powder, whole roasted insects, and insect-based snacks.
- EnviroFlight: EnviroFlight is a US-based company that produces high-quality insect-based feed for the animal feed industry. The company's products are made from black soldier fly larvae and are a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional animal feed.
- Chapul: Chapul is a US-based company that produces insect-based energy bars made from cricket flour. The company's products are high in protein and other nutrients and are marketed as a healthy and sustainable alternative to traditional energy bars.
- Bugsolutely: Bugsolutely is a Thailand-based company that specializes in the production of insect-based pasta made from cricket flour. The company's products are high in protein and are marketed as a healthy and sustainable alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta.
- Ynsect: Ynsect is a France-based company that produces insect-based protein for the aquaculture and pet food industries. The company's products are made from mealworms and are a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional protein sources.
Overall, the edible insects market is still relatively small, but it is growing rapidly, and these key industry players are at the forefront of the industry's development.