Ÿnsect, a provider of natural insect protein, has acquired Protifarm, a provider of mealworm ingredients for human food applications. Their joint offering will accelerate manufacturing capabilities with a third production site. Following the European Food Safety Authority deeming mealworms safe for human consumption this January, Ÿnsect is expanding into the market of food ingredients derived from insect ingredients for humans.
In addition to its sites in France, Ÿnsect now expands internationally with the integration of Protifarm, a Dutch production site based in Ermelo, one hour east of Amsterdam.
"Protifarm is a compelling fit for Ÿnsect, matching our long-term goals and sustainability values. Acquiring Protifarm is a strategic next step for us, allowing us to properly address the human and pet food markets with complementary products," explains Antoine Hubert, Co-Founder, and CEO of Ÿnsect.
Vertical production
The Dutch vertical farm produces more than 1,000 metric tons of food ingredients annually. With two Ÿnsect production sites in operation and one under construction, the result is an increase in volume and accelerated production and delivery to customers.
"The evolution of a more sustainable intake of nutrition is only at its beginning, but the demand for products meeting these standards is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. The consolidation of Protifarm with Ÿnsect will expand our scale to meet this demand globally," comments Tom Mohrmann, CEO of Protifarm.
With established food customers in Germany, the Netherlands, England, Denmark, and Belgium, Protifarm's Novel Food application is expected, same as Ÿnsect's, to receive EU approval in the near term. As Protifarm's Buffalo mealworm and Ÿnsect's Molitor mealworm meet complementary needs, the company now offers a platform of interchangeable food and feed ingredients, addressing the demand for different premium applications coming from two types of mealworms.
Ÿnsect