Jord Producers, Nebraska-based, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect's production portfolio, signifying the global leader's entry into North American mealworm production. The move comes off the back of Ÿnsect's introduction to the US market in November 2021.
With the vertical insect farm in France, Ÿnsect transforms Buffalo and Molitor mealworms into premium, high-value, sustainable ingredients to feed animals, fish, plants, and humans.
The addition of Jord Producers reflects Ÿnsect's expansion into the US market and their entry into the backyard chicken feed market. During the pandemic, the backyard chicken market saw significant growth in America. By 2026, the US market is predicted to reach approximately $400M according to a recent study by Arthur D. Little.
Chicken fed with mealworms
Over the last two years, the number of Americans rearing chickens has increased to around 26 million. Emerton studies showed that 82% of US backyard chicken owners prefer mealworms versus other insects. Recent trials conducted by Ÿnsect have shown increased performance on egg size. Antoine Hubert, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ÿnsect commented, "We're very excited to continue establishing our presence in the US, which is a priority market for Ÿnsect as we expand globally. As an impact company, sustainability and support for the environment is at the top of our agenda. We were obviously very impressed with Cheryl's entrepreneurial skills. She co-founded Jord within the best agricultural region in the US, allowing easy, local access to raw materials. It was therefore an obvious choice for us."
Mealworms like those produced at Jord offer significant benefits to livestock and pets alike as they contain all the amino acids a chicken needs for optimal development: very high protein content (72% protein), highly digestible, hypoallergenic and the potential to decrease skin diseases.
Cheryl Powers, CEO of Jord Producers, added: "Having built Jord Producers from scratch with co-founders Kris Vrooman and Amber Klassen, becoming experts in raising and distributing live and whole dried larvae to the backyard chicken market, Jord Producers is delighted to join the Ÿnsect family. We're confident that move will help us take the production of high-quality mealworms to the next level."
Ÿnsect