Edible Insects Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 3.80 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 9.01 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 18.89 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Europe |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Edible Insects Market Analysis
The Edible Insects Market size is estimated at USD 3.80 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.89% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- The edible insect market has gained increasing attention as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional animal proteins. With the world facing significant challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change, the rise of edible insects represents a promising solution to these pressing issues. Additionally, the growing number of entotarians has intensified the demand for edible insects worldwide. According to Wageningen University & Research in 2023, approximately 2,111 species of insects are consumed in about 140 countries, with entomophagy documented around the world like in Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas are already consumed regularly by people and domestic animals across the globe owing to their high protein, healthy fat, mineral, and vitamin content.
- Along with this, a diversity of insect species is consumed across the five continents. Edible insects are also used to complement diets with rich protein sources and ecologically sustainable sources of food. Similarly, insect-eating habits are not only associated with nutritional aspects but are also closely related to socio-cultural practices and religious beliefs which are supporting the growth of the market.
- Furthermore, many government associations are developing numerous projects and initiatives to focus on investments, research, and industry partners to escalate the edible insect business globally. For instance, in October 2022, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) collaborated with Agri Futures Australia and the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) to create a new research hub launched in Australia, which derives the emerging insect technology with industries using insects as human food, animal feed, fertilizer and other products such as oil. Therefore, the rising consumption of insects across numerous countries, along with ongoing research efforts, are propelling market growth during the forecast period.
Edible Insects Market Trends
Beetles are the largest Insect Type
Beetles are emerging as a promising sustainable food source for human consumption. They are renowned for their diversity and adaptability and play a vital role in ecosystems across the globe. Their high protein content, coupled with a rich array of vitamins and minerals, fuels the growth of this segment. On average, beetles boast a protein content of about 40-60% by dry weight. This density not only eclipses that of traditional livestock like beef and chicken but also comes with essential amino acids crucial for human health. Beyond protein, beetles are a treasure trove of B vitamins, notably B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation. They also provide key minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, all of which are indispensable for various physiological processes. Thus the health benefits associated with the consumption aids the growth of the segment.
Additionally, the environmental benefits of incorporating beetles into the human diet are considerable. Compared to traditional livestock farming, beetle farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed. They are efficient at converting feed into edible biomass, requiring far less feed than cattle or poultry to produce the same amount of protein. Furthermore, beetles generate fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Their ability to thrive on organic waste products also makes beetle farming a viable method for recycling food waste, further enhancing its sustainability. This makes them one of the most commonly consumed edible insects among consumers worldwide. As per an article published on Research Gate, in 2021, beetles represent 31.2% of total insects consumed followed by caterpillars, ants etc.
Furthermore, in various cultures across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, beetles are traditional food sources for the population. Beyond this tradition, the culinary exploration of diverse beetle species is broadening their incorporation into a range of dishes, from snacks to main courses, thus fueling the segment's expansion. In 2023, Lidl, an Ireland-based company, introduced burgers crafted from soy and real beetles under its My Street Food range. Such product launches are propelling the segment's growth. Consequently, the beetles' high protein content, combined with their minimal environmental impact and the recent snack-centric product introductions, are driving the segment's growth during the forecast period.
Europe Dominates the Market
Europe leads the global edible insect market, drawing increasing interest from consumers and businesses alike. This surge is largely driven by a growing appetite for protein-rich foods and a push for diverse protein sources across the continent. As dietary preferences evolve, insect farming is gaining traction in Europe, with consumers showing a heightened openness to insect-based foods. Additionally, several factors are propelling the edible insect market, including the anticipated approval of insects as a novel food in Europe, a growing product diversity, product availability, and increasing consumer acceptance. For instance, in 2022, the ValuSect consortium, comprising European insect producers, provided services valued at EUR 460,000 (USD 496,600) to 18 edible insect enterprises. These chosen companies will collaborate with expert partners to refine their innovative concepts, enhancing insect production and bolstering consumer acceptance in North-West Europe, thus supporting market growth.
In recent years, the region has witnessed a significant rise in the production and trade of edible insects and insect-based foods. This surge is largely attributed to increased awareness and the implementation of European regulations. Recognized as novel foods, edible insects and their derivatives undergo rigorous health assessments and must obtain approvals per the EU's Novel Food Regulation. The market is further buoyed by the inclusion of additional species. One such recent example is the 2023 endorsement of the grain mould beetle larvae, or Alphitobius diaperinus, under this regulation. This official recognition allows companies to use Alphitobius diaperinus larvae in diverse forms be it frozen, paste, dried, or powdered across a broad spectrum of food products intended for the general public. Notably, the powdered form has also received approval for inclusion in adult food supplements. Thus, the recognition of more insects as novel foods not only amplifies their consumption but also propels market growth. Hence, the rising demand for insect-based foods, combined with the endorsement of new species as novel foods, is driving market expansion during the forecast period.
Edible Insects Industry Overview
The edible insects market is highly fragmented, as most companies are new in the market studied and hold only a tiny fraction of the market share, as per the companies profiled in the study. Exo Inc., Thailand Unique, Entomo Farms Ltd., Kreca Ento - Feed BV, and Enviro Flight LLC are some prominent companies that account for a significant share of the edible insect market. Product innovations and new product launches are among the most popular market strategies among the players in the market studied. The significant players primarily focus on investing in R&D and enhancing their production capacities to cope with the ever-increasing demand and stay relevant in the market.
Edible Insects Market Leaders
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Exo Inc.
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Thailand Unique
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Entomo Farms Ltd.
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Kreca Ento - Feed BV
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Enviro Flight LLC
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Edible Insects Market News
- June 2024: All Things Bugs has secured a U.S. patent for its innovative production method, underscoring its commitment to pioneering research and products that harness insects as sustainable food ingredients. This patent focuses on the use of insects as a food source.
- October 2023: Tyson Foods, Inc., a major player in the global food industry, has entered into a dual investment agreement with Protix, the leading company in global insect ingredients. This strategic investment aims to support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient sector and expand the use of these solutions, facilitating the creation of more efficient and sustainable proteins and lipids for the global food system.
- January 2023: Ynsect has expanded its international presence by launching Ynfarm, the world's largest insect farm. This strategic move bolsters Ynsect's ability to swiftly deliver products to its clientele, underscoring the company's dedication to catering to the surging demand for insect-based offerings.
Edible Insects Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Easy Availability and High Protein Content of the Edible Insects
4.2.2 Growing Number of Patents for Edible Insect Species
4.2.3 Rising Investments in Research and Development
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Strict Regulatory and Legal Approvals
4.3.2 High Risk of Allergies
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Insect Type
5.1.1 Beetles
5.1.2 Caterpillar
5.1.3 Hymenoptera
5.1.4 Orthoptera
5.1.5 Tree Bugs
5.1.6 Other Insect Types
5.2 Product Type
5.2.1 As a Whole
5.2.1.1 BBQ
5.2.1.2 Stream or Fried
5.2.1.3 Raw
5.2.2 As a Ingredient
5.2.2.1 Drinks
5.2.2.2 Insect Confectionery
5.2.2.3 Snacks and Backed Products
5.2.2.4 Others
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 North America
5.3.1.1 United States
5.3.1.2 Canada
5.3.1.3 Mexico
5.3.1.4 Rest of North America
5.3.2 Europe
5.3.2.1 Germany
5.3.2.2 United Kingdom
5.3.2.3 France
5.3.2.4 Russia
5.3.2.5 Poland
5.3.2.6 Rest of Europe
5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
5.3.3.1 China
5.3.3.2 Japan
5.3.3.3 Thailand
5.3.3.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.4 South America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Argentina
5.3.4.3 Rest of South America
5.3.5 Middle-East & Africa
5.3.5.1 South Africa
5.3.5.2 Rest of Middle-East & Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Most Adopted Strategies
6.2 Market Share Analysis
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Thailand Unique
6.3.2 Nordic Insect Economy Ltd.
6.3.3 Kreca Ento - Feed BV
6.3.4 Entomo Farms Ltd.
6.3.5 Exo Inc.
6.3.6 Proti - Farm
6.3.7 Enviro Flight LLC
6.3.8 Bugsy Bros
6.3.9 Deli Bugs Ltd.
6.3.10 Eat Grub Ltd
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITITES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Edible Insects Industry Segmentation
Edible insects are insect species used for human consumption. Common forms of consumption are whole insects on one hand and pulverized insects used as an ingredient in dishes or in terms of processed food products such as burger patties, pasta, snacks, and many others. The Edible Insects Market is segmented by Insect Type into Beetles, Caterpillars, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Tree Bugs, and Other Insect Types, Product Type as A Whole, and As Ingredient, and Geography into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle-East & Africa. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value in USD for all the above segments.
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| Beetles | |
| Caterpillar | |
| Hymenoptera | |
| Orthoptera | |
| Tree Bugs | |
| Other Insect Types |
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Edible Insects Market Research Faqs
How big is the Edible Insects Market?
The Edible Insects Market size is expected to reach USD 3.80 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 18.89% to reach USD 9.01 billion by 2029.
What is the current Edible Insects Market size?
In 2024, the Edible Insects Market size is expected to reach USD 3.80 billion.
Who are the key players in Edible Insects Market?
Exo Inc., Thailand Unique, Entomo Farms Ltd., Kreca Ento - Feed BV and Enviro Flight LLC are the major companies operating in the Edible Insects Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Edible Insects Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Edible Insects Market?
In 2024, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in Edible Insects Market.
What years does this Edible Insects Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Edible Insects Market size was estimated at USD 3.08 billion. The report covers the Edible Insects Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Edible Insects Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What emerging technologies are impacting the Edible Insects Industry?
The emerging technologies impacting the Edible Insects Industry are a) Vertical farming b) Automation in insect production c) Advancements in processing and preservation
Edible Insects Industry Report
The global edible insects market is witnessing remarkable growth due to heightened consumer awareness about the environmental impacts of traditional livestock farming, propelling a shift towards edible insects as a sustainable protein source. This trend is bolstered by the nutritional benefits of insects, such as high protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, fitting well into diets like keto and paleo. Innovations in food products that incorporate edible insects, including protein bars, pasta, and snacks, meet the rising demand for alternative proteins and culinary adventures. Despite facing cultural aversions, technological limits, and regulatory variances, industry players are advancing through strategic partnerships and product innovations to mainstream insect consumption and broaden market presence. Edible insects, particularly grasshoppers for their nutritional and culinary versatility, are segmented by product, application, and distribution, signaling substantial growth potential. Statistics for the Edible Insects market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. Edible Insects analysis includes a market forecast outlook and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
