Edible Insects Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Whole Insect, Insect Powder, Insect Meal, Insect Oil), Insect Type (Crickets, Black Soldier Fly, Mealworms), Application (Animal Feed, Protein Bar & Shakes, Bakery, Confectionery, Beverages), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2033

The Edible Insects Market was valued at $1.49 billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $17.95 billion by 2033 from an estimated $1.87 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 28.6% during the forecast period 2024-2033.

Edible Insects Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market is driven by growing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock & poultry industries, the high nutritional value of edible insects and their environmental benefits, the rising demand for insect protein in the animal feed industry, and the low risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases with the consumption of edible insects.

However, the lack of a standardized regulatory framework, psychological & ethical barriers to consuming insects as food, and the risk of allergies due to insect consumption restrain the growth of this market. Furthermore, business expansion in emerging & developed economies is expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. However, the lack of awareness regarding the benefits of insect consumption and limitations in scaling up production are major challenges impacting market growth.

Edible Insects Market Growth Drivers

• Growing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Livestock & Poultry Industries Driving the Need for Alternative Protein Sources

Currently, most of the protein produced worldwide comes from livestock meat. Approximately 70% of agricultural land and 30% of the total land on earth is used to raise livestock to meet the world’s protein needs. Thus, it is neither feasible nor sustainable to dedicate more land to livestock production. Moreover, the global livestock industry has already taken an enormous toll on the environment through the high use of land and water. The livestock industry emits more greenhouse gases than planes, trains, and automobiles combined. Considering people’s current eating habits, the adoption of high-quality alternative protein sources, such as edible insects, has become imperative in order to reduce pollution, habitat destruction, and the abuse of natural resources.

According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the global human population is expected to grow by 75 million annually (1.1% per year). By 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9.9 billion, increasing by 25.3% compared to ~7.9 billion in 2021. This population growth is expected to burden the production and supply of food. Hence, considering the world’s growing population and the increasing demand for traditional meat products, edible insects could be an effective solution to many of these problems, as insects are full of protein and rich in essential micronutrients, such as iron and zinc.

Moreover, an increasing number of health-conscious consumers are demanding environmentally safe and chemical-residue-free meat, encouraging meat producers to adopt insect-derived feed, such as BSFL protein meal. Furthermore, insects are a cheaper alternative protein source for animal feed compared to fish and soy meal. Hence, insects contribute to the production of high-quality and low-priced feed for livestock, poultry, and fish. Breeding insects has environmental advantages, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use. Crickets need 12x less feed, 15x less land, 2000x less water, and produce 100x lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to cattle to produce the same amount of protein. Crickets can be fed food waste, like banana peels or rice bran.

Thus, edible insects have emerged as an important alternative source of protein for livestock production and human consumption, driving demand and boosting the market's growth.

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• Rising Demand for Insect Protein in the Animal Feed Industry Driving Market Growth

Developing regions, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are expected to witness exponential growth in their human populations and changes in dietary patterns in tandem with economic growth, leading to a 70% increase in the demand for livestock products by 2050. The prices of livestock products are increasing due to rising feed costs. Presently, the cost of feed accounts for ~60–70% of the total livestock production costs. Fish and soybean meal are the major protein sources for animal feed. However, these sources compete with food production for humans. Moreover, the availability of fishmeal has become limited due to the over-exploitation of marine resources, causing a rapid increase in the cost of these feed ingredients. Hence, the search for sustainable alternatives has led to a growing interest in using insects as feed ingredients.

Insects have high protein content, and their production has a small footprint. Insect species that are mass-reared, such as the black soldier fly, have drawn significant attention mainly due to their ability to feed on different substrates, including organic waste streams. The ability of BSF to convert organic waste into high-quality nutrients has rapidly spurred commercial opportunities such as the development of BSF-based products, such as protein meal, which is cheaper compared to fishmeal or soybean meal and can be used as an alternative source of protein in pig, poultry, and fish feeds. According to the FDA, when soybean and fishmeal were replaced with BSF larvae meal in proportions of 10–56%, broiler quail and chicken meat had a satisfactory taste, aroma, and nutritional composition. In addition, BSF meal was also used as fish feed for Nile tilapia (in different proportions), which resulted in similar growth performance and feed conversion.

Therefore, animal feed manufacturers have started incorporating BSF meal into their feed products as an alternative source of protein due to the high growth performance of BSF meal and the rising prices of fishmeal and soya meal, driving the growth of the global edible insects market.

Edible Insects Market Trends

• Environmental Sustainability with the Use of Edible Insects in Feed Production

Sustainable feed production is the practice of producing animal feed that meets the nutritional needs of animals while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. This involves using raw materials efficiently, reducing waste, and managing the production process in an environmentally friendly manner. In the quest for sustainable agriculture, the focus has increasingly turned towards alternative feed sources that are both environmentally friendly and nutritionally robust. The edible insects, especially BSF and mealworms have garnered attention for their remarkable ability to convert organic waste into high-quality protein.

Edible insects are nutritionally dense, boasting high protein and fat content along with essential amino acids and minerals. As a feed ingredient, they provide a sustainable alternative to traditional sources like soy and fishmeal. Moreover, the production of edible insects requires minimal land and water resources, making it inherently more eco-friendly. Livestock producers, aquaculture operators, and pet food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating BSF ingredients into their feed formulations. As a result, the incorporation of edible insects into feed production practices can contribute significantly to a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Edible Insects Market Opportunity

• Business Expansion in Emerging & Developed Economies Expected to Offer Growth Opportunities for Market Players

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for high-quality meat in emerging economies, particularly from Southeast Asia, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. This is mainly attributed to the population growth and increasing urbanization in Asia and Africa. According to the FAO, global meat production is projected to expand to around 48 metric tons by 2025, with developing countries accounting for approximately 73% of the total production. To fulfill the growing demand for meat, producers continuously focus on improving both meat production and quality with the help of high-quality protein-containing feed, driving the adoption of insect-derived feed such as BSFL protein meal. Hence, the high demand for insect feed in emerging economies is encouraging insect producers to invest in developing countries. Major market players are expanding in emerging markets to capitalize on the opportunities. For instance, in December 2023, Entobel Holding Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) opened a new insect meal production factory in Vietnam. The facility has a production capacity of 10,000 metric tons of H-meal/year. Also, in April 2023, Nutrition Technologies (Singapore) and Sumitomo Corporation Group (Japan) signed an MoU agreement. Nutrition Technologies signed a USD 100 million trade deal with Sumitomo Corporation to expand pet food and aquafeed products distribution in the Japanese market.

Moreover, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the global demand for fish and shellfish is expected to reach almost 181 million tons in 2030. However, dried and powdered fish feed, such as anchovy used for aquaculture feed, is becoming insufficient. According to the FAO, 1.2 to 1.6 million tons of raw materials for fish feed will be required in 2025 as an alternative to fish meal. Owing to this opportunity, the small but growing insect farming sector has received significant attention and investments in recent years.

Furthermore, market players are focused on strategies, such as product launches and partnerships, to benefit from market opportunities. For instance, in February 2024, InnovaFeed (France) launched its new brand, Hilucia, with two new products – Protein for Monogastrics and Oil for Aqua. Also, in March 2023, Entobel (Singapore) partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the sustainable development of the aquafeed and aquaculture industries in Vietnam. In June 2022, InnovaFeed (France) and Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.) extended their partnership from 3 to 10 years to offer innovative and healthy ingredients for aquaculture.

Edible Insects Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: In 2024, the Whole Insects Segment to Dominate the Edible Insects Market

Based on product, the global edible insects market is segmented into whole insects, insect powder, insect meal, and insect oil. In terms of value, in 2024, the whole insects segment is expected to account for the largest share of 46.3% of the global edible insects market. The large market share of this segment is mainly attributed to the high adoption of whole insects due to their easy availability and lower cost compared to processed insects, the absence of insect processing facilities in some parts of the world, and the high demand for whole insects in the animal feed industry. Moreover, in terms of volume, in 2024, the insect meal segment is expected to account for the largest share of 54.7% of the global edible insects market.

However, the insect powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 29.7% during the forecast period of 2022-2033. The growth of this segment can be attributed to consumers' increasing inclination toward fitness & wellness, the rising number of health clubs & fitness centers serving insect powder, the emergence of several start-ups producing insect protein bars & shakes, and busy lifestyles demanding highly nutritious & convenient foods

By Insect Type: In 2024, the Crickets Segment to Dominate the Edible Insects Market

Based on insect type, the global edible insects market is segmented into crickets, black soldier flies, mealworms, buffalo worms, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms, cicadas, and other edible insects. In 2024, the crickets segment is expected to account for the largest share of 53.3% of the global edible insects market. This segment's large share is mainly attributed to the high nutritional value of crickets, the ease of farming and processing them, growing acceptance among consumers, their increasing use in various food recipes and products, and the rising demand for cricket-based products such as protein powders, protein bars, and snacks.

However, the black soldier fly segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 31.3% during the forecast period due to the growing aquaculture industry, the rising demand for alternative proteins from the animal feed industry due to the rising prices of soy meal, supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting the use of insect meal in livestock feed, and increasing investments by key players in the BSF industry.

By Application: In 2024, the Food and Beverage Segment to Dominate the Edible Insects Market

Based on the application, the global edible insects market is mainly segmented into food & beverage and feed & pet food. In 2024, the food & beverages segment is expected to account for the larger share of the global edible insects market. This segment is projected to reach USD 8,633.6 million by 2033.

However, the feed and pet food segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 30.7% during the forecast period. This segment's fast growth is mainly attributed to the growing demand for meat products and the subsequent increase in the demand for protein-rich animal feed, rising soy meal prices, growing adoption of black soldier flies and mealworms in aquaculture feed, and government approval for the use of insects as a feed ingredient.

By End Use: In 2024, the Animal Nutrition Segment to Witness the Fastest Growth

Based on end use, the global edible insects market is segmented into human consumption and animal nutrition. In 2024, the human consumption segment is expected to account for the larger share of 55.4% of the global edible insects market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising demand for insect-based foods to feed the ever-growing global population, the high nutritional value of insects in human nutrition, and the increasing demand for environmentally friendly alternative sources of protein.

However, animal nutrition segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2022-2033.

Geographical Analysis

North America: Fastest-growing Regional Market

Based on geography, the global edible insects market is divided into five regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In terms of value, in 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 34.8% of the global edible insects market. This market is projected to reach USD 5,727.5 million by 2033 during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific's significant market share is attributed to the well-established commercial farming market for edible insects, especially in Thailand, the wide availability of various insects coupled with huge production, the positive attitude towards insects as food & feed, the absence of regulatory barriers to using insects as food & feed, and the presence of key market players in the region.

However, North America is projected to register the highest CAGR of 31.0% during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is mainly attributed to government approval for edible insects to be used in food and feed, the rising use of BSF for organic waste valorization, continued expansion by major companies in the edible insect sector, and the proliferation of end-use industries in the region.

Moreover, the growing demand for environment-friendly, protein-rich food, increasing familiarity with insects as food, decreasing food neophobia, and altering attitudes towards insects, both in general and as food, are the other key factors responsible for the rising acceptance of edible insects in the North American region.

Edible Insects Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the global edible insects market are Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Ÿnsect (SAS) (France), InnovaFeed SAS (France), EnviroFlight, LLC (U.S.), Nutrition Technologies Group (Singapore), Bioflytech S.L. (Spain), Entomo Farms (Canada), Aspire Food Group (U.S.), Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Entobel Holding Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Entofood Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), SFly Comgraf SAS (France), Hexafly (Ireland), F4F SpA (Chile), Protenga Pte Ltd. (Singapore), nextProtein (France), Enorm Biofactory A/S (Denmark), Hargol FoodTech (Israel), All Things Bugs, Llc (U.S.), Beta Hatch (U.S.), Armstrong Crickets Georgia (U.S.), JR Unique Foods Ltd. (Thailand), Tebrio (Spain), and HiProMine S.A. (Poland).

Edible Insects Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

Some of the recent developments in the global Edible Insects market are as follows:

• In March 2024, Ÿnsect signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the LOTTE R&D center, a Korean leader in the Tech industry. The agreement includes conducting joint research to develop insect-based food products, working together to increase knowledge of edible insects’ health claims, and conducting and sharing surveys on “insects in human food” among consumers in Europe and South Korea. This partnership will enable Ÿnsect to accelerate its development in human food and expand its activity in Asia.

• In February 2024, InnovaFeed SAS (France) launched a new brand, Hilucia, with two new products–Protein for Monogastrics and Oil for Aqua.
• In January 2024, EnviroFlight LLC (U.S.) partnered with Entocycle, a U.K.-based provider of insect farms and insect farming technology, to develop and trial the Entosight Neo. Entosight Neo is Entocycle’s Edible Insects breeding technology solution for neonate counting and dosing to optimize our production efficiencies.
• In December 2023, Entobel opened a new insect meal production factory in Vietnam. The facility can produce 10,000 metric tons of H-meal per year.
• In October 2023, Protix B.V. (Netherlands) partnered with Tyson Foods, Inc. (U.S.) to produce more sustainable protein. This strategic development is expected to support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient industry and expand the use of insect ingredient solutions to create efficient, sustainable proteins and lipids.
• In May 223, Ÿnsect launched Sprÿng, its new B2B2C brand for the pet food market.
• In April 2023, InnovaFeed SAS (France) opened an extension of its Nesle production site in northern France. This expansion is expected to increase the company's production capacity by 15,000 tons of insect protein per year.
• In April 2023, Nutrition Technologies Group (Singapore) and Sumitomo Corporation Group (Japan) signed a MoU agreement. The company signed a USD 100 million trade deal with trading firm Sumitomo Corporation to expand the pet food and aquafeed products distribution (Singapore) in the Japanese market.
• In February 2023, Entomo Farms acquired Snackyard BSF (Canada), a black soldier fly (BSF) company that specializes in producing BSF larvae for the pet food market. This acquisition is expected to allow Entomo Farms to expand its reach into the pet food market
• In March 2022, Nutrition Technologies Group and Evonik Industries (Germany) signed an agreement to jointly conduct a research and development project on the amino acid requirements of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) in Southeast Asia.
• In October 2021, Entobel Holding Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) partnered with Vinh Hoan Corp. (Vietnam) to explore sustainable ways to produce insect-fed seafood with a reduced carbon footprint. As part of this partnership, IFC is expected to support Entobel’s expansion in Vietnam and the region.

Edible Insects Market Research Summary:

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