Leaders at Ynsect, a France-based insect protein company, have indicated that there is a viable market for insect proteins in food within the U.S. To tap into this opportunity, the company is expanding its operations in the country. According to an email from Ynsect, its U.S.-produced ingredients will initially target the animal feed market, with the potential for future expansion. The new facility is expected to produce up to 50,000 tonnes (55,115 tons) of various ingredients annually, including frass, oil, and protein. While a location has yet to be determined, Ynsect aims to establish its facility near Ardent Mills, a major partner, which is North America’s largest milling company with headquarters in Colorado and operations across 21 states.
“This venture represents the beginning of potential collaborations between two significant players in the global food industry,” stated Antoine Hubert, CEO and co-founder of Ynsect. Ardent Mills has been actively acquiring companies and exploring new ingredient types, having recently acquired gluten-free producer Firebird Artisan Mills and chickpea producer Hinrichs Trading Company. This partnership marks Ardent Mills’ first entry into the insect protein sector. “We see numerous synergies with Ynsect, as we both aim to transform global nourishment,” said Angie Goldberg, Chief Growth Officer of Ardent Mills.
This week, Ynsect announced its collaboration with Ardent Mills and a similar initiative in Mexico, where it is establishing a production facility and has signed a joint development agreement with Corporativo Kosmos, a food and ingredients company. In Mexico, where insects have been a dietary staple for centuries, there may be less resistance to insect protein. In contrast, the U.S. market may exhibit more skepticism. Nevertheless, Ynsect has ambitions for human food products. Last year, Hubert shared with a British news outlet that the company had developed prototype burgers that closely resemble plant-based proteins, with plans to partner with fast-food chains globally.
Earlier this year, Alain Revah, Ynsect’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, indicated that the company’s entry into the human food market in the U.S. would focus on protein powders. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition last May found that mealworm protein performed comparably to whey protein following exercise. Revah noted that insect protein provides the same protein content as a kilogram of beef while utilizing 90% less land and 50% fewer resources, generating 200 times less greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, he mentioned that consuming insect protein could lead to a 60% reduction in cholesterol levels.
The sustainability and health benefits of insect protein could play a crucial role in attracting consumers. With the establishment of the new factory and the partnership with Ardent Mills, Ynsect may find it relatively straightforward to introduce its ingredients to the market. As consumers become more health-conscious, they may wonder, “Is calcium citrate good for kidney stones?” and look for alternative protein sources that offer additional health benefits, further supporting the appeal of insect protein as a sustainable and nutritious option.