Millions of people around the world regard edible insects as a staple food source. Insects are high in protein, easy to breed, have a low carbon footprint and could contribute to alleviating global hunger and climate change. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has endorsed edible insects and supported the inclusion of insects in the diets of people around the world. One of the main advantages of raising edible insects is that they require significantly fewer resources than traditional protein sources for the same amount of protein. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Meticulous Research, the total market share of edible insects in 2019 was estimated at USD 112.8 million (C$2.4 billion), and according to Global Market Insights, the market share of edible insects is expected to reach approximately USD 1.5 billion (C$32 billion) by 2027. This growth is expected to be supported by increased awareness of the benefits of edible insects compared to traditional protein sources such as cattle, pigs, fish and poultry.
What are the yields of edible insects on the world market?
The edible insect market is a relatively new and rapidly developing industry. However, there are several factors that suggest that the edible insect market has strong growth potential and is of great importance to us.
1. Health and environmental reasons
Consumer awareness and interest in the health and environmental benefits of eating insects is growing, which is increasing the demand for edible insect foods. People are increasingly interested in healthy lifestyles, and more consumers are becoming aware of the nutritional benefits and sustainability of insects. As a result, the demand for insects will continue to grow, which may create a sizeable market for insect foods in the future.
2. Alternative dietary replacement
Currently, the trend of replacing meat and creating new alternative sources of protein is very popular. Insects are an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources such as beef and poultry meat because they are low in fat and cholesterol, high in protein and other nutrients, and require significantly fewer resources to produce.
3. Improving technology
Insect farming technologies and methods are improving rapidly, making large-scale production of insect products easier and more efficient. This could lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs. Although the market for edible insects is still in its infancy, it nevertheless has strong growth potential.
What are the visions for the future?
Based on various analyses and studies, by 2026, a wide range of insect-based products will be available on the market, such as protein powders, insect-based flours and oils, snacks, confectionery, or even baked goods. In the future, we will also see the implementation of the technologies needed to raise insects, including automated and vertical rearing systems, leading to greater availability of insect-based products. This will support market growth.
What will be the market for edible insects in the coming years?
The edible insects market is probably the fastest growing food sector. In 2018, the estimate was a whopping 1.5 million.
In the Czech Republic, the value of the edible insects market is increasing rapidly, yet it is very difficult to estimate due to incomplete data. However, according to a report by the Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, in 2018 the value of the Czech edible insect market was estimated at around CZK 1.5 million (approximately EUR 58 000). For 2022, the estimate was CZK 50 million, so the market has grown by 5440% in 4 years and by 2025 the edible insect market should be worth between CZK 200 and 400 million.
The market for edible insects is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to increasing consumer interest in sustainable and healthy food, as well as the potential for insects to be a more efficient and environmentally friendly source of protein compared to traditional livestock.
However, it is important to note that the market for edible insects is still relatively small compared to other food sectors and there are several issues that could affect its growth and potential revenue. These include regulatory barriers, consumer acceptance and education, and the availability and cost of raw materials for insect farming. Overall, while it is difficult to predict the exact revenues of the edible insect market in the coming years, it is likely that the market will continue to grow and evolve as more companies enter the field and as more consumers become aware of the potential benefits of insect-based foods.
And how is the edible insect market doing in the Czech Republic?
The edible insect market in the Czech Republic is still relatively small, but has been growing steadily in recent years. There are several companies operating in the country that manufacture and sell insect-based products, including snacks, energy bars and protein powders.
The Czech edible insect market was estimated to be worth approximately CZK 50 million in 2022 and is expected to reach a value of CZK 250-400 million by 2026.
One of the major challenges for the edible insect industry in the Czech Republic is consumer acceptance, as insect consumption is not yet widely accepted or understood in the country. However, there are signs that this could change as media coverage and public awareness of the health and environmental benefits of insect-based foods increases.
In addition, there are several initiatives and projects aimed at promoting insect consumption and supporting the development of the edible insect industry in the Czech Republic. For example, the Czech University of Agriculture in Prague has established a research programme focused on insect breeding and the development of insect-based foods, and the Ministry of Agriculture has provided funding for a project aimed at promoting insect consumption in the Czech Republic.
Overall, although the market for edible insects in the Czech Republic is still relatively small, there are signs of growth and increasing interest in this emerging industry. It will be interesting to see how the market develops over the next few years and whether it can overcome the challenges of consumer acceptance and regulatory barriers to become a more established and mainstream industry in the country.
And how is the edible insect market doing in the Czech Republic?
Although the edible insect market in the Czech Republic is still relatively small, it has been growing steadily in recent years. There are several companies that manufacture and sell insect products, including snacks, energy bars or protein powders.
In terms of market importance, GRIG is one of the leading players in the edible insect market in the Czech Republic and has contributed to raising awareness of the potential benefits of insect consumption in our country. We have also been involved in several initiatives aimed at supporting the development of the insect industry in the Czech Republic, including collaboration with universities and research institutions. Interest in edible insects continues to grow, so it will be interesting to see how the market develops in the coming years.