Ÿnsect, the bug breeder with the gratuitous umlaut is really, really on board with the WEF's "Let them eat insects" pitch.
From AgFunder, April 13:
French insect protein startup Ÿnsect announced this morning that it has acquired Netherlands counterpart Protifarm, which raises mealworms for human food applications.
At the start of the year, the European Food Safety Authority announced its approval of mealworms for human consumption in the EU. The ruling opens the gateway for the growing startup industry around insect protein to tap into a new market.
With the acquisition of Protifarm, Ÿnsect is aiming to fast-track its manufacturing capacities to take advantage of the recently removed regulatory roadblock.
The Dutch startup was a natural match, according to Ÿnsect chairman and CEO Antoine Hubert.
“There are other smaller players [in mealworm farming] but they do not compare in terms of IP, plant, [and its] vertical farm running for more than four years giving real operational experience. They’ve also acquired a company doing traditional insect farming for 40 years,” he told AFN.
Protifarm holds 37 patents, bringing Ÿnsect’s total portfolio to nearly 300 patents, the companies said in a statement. It also brings a skilled workforce to the table, employing 50 people across production, R&D, and other areas. The Protifarm management team will remain in place and help integrate the business into Ÿnsect.
The Dutch company’s most recent funding was a Series B round in December 2019 led by local development agency Oost NL.
Are athletes the gateway to gaining consumer acceptance?
As insect protein has gained more traction and investor attention, the question remains whether society at large will ever be keen to add creepy-crawlies to the menu. Although many cultures around the world wouldn’t bat an eye at eating bugs, the prospect is taboo for others.
Aware of the potential roadblock, Ÿnsect has opted to start its foray into human food with sports nutrition....
....MUCH MORE
Okay, maybe it's a diaeresis, not an umlaut, that doesn't change the fact that mealworms taste better if you run 'em through a hen first.
Previously:The World Economic Forum May Be Backing-Off Of The Whole "Okay Plebs, Eat Your Bugs and Weeds" Pitch
In November it was the weeds: "World Economic Forum: "5 reasons we need to start nurturing – and eating – weeds" (plus some thoughts on The Great Reset)" while previous trial balloons pitched bugs: "A psychologist explains why we find some food disgusting - and why it matters".Perhaps realizing those may be a step too far (along with "recycled" water [it's all recycled...but]), here's the latest:....
"The EU just approved mealworms for human consumption. Will Ÿnsect take the bait?"
No. No to worms.
Maybe termites, if the hydrogen biofactory experiments don't work out. Crunchy....
And you, Oatly! It's not milk. Any more than "Cockroach milk" to wash down your "maggot sausages" is milk.
