The edible insect market - Brazil

1.1 Market presentation

Edible insects refer to all insects intended for human consumption. This human consumption of insects is known as entomophagy.although edible insects are therefore, by definition, related to human food, this study also addresses, to a lesser extent, the market for insects intended for animal feed, in order to highlight the distinctions between the two sectors.

The edible insects and insect-based products sector comprises four main stages: breeding, primary processing (production of ingredients), secondary processing (production of food products) and distribution. Market participants operate in one or more of these stages.

The global edible insects market was estimated at US$500 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 19.7% between 2019 and 2025. The FAO has identified 1,900 species of edible insects worldwide, and insects are said to be part of the traditional meals of at least 2 billion people, mainly in Asia-Pacific, South America and Africa.

The Brazilian insect market is experiencing significant growth, indicative of an increase in interest in insects as a source of protein and raw material for a variety of products. This increase underlines the expansive capacity of this market, which covers a wide range of applications, from human consumption to use in sustainable agriculture.

A striking trend in the insect market in Brazil is the increased use of insects in the human and animal diet, driven by growing awareness of environmental sustainability. Insects are seen as a more resource-efficient source of protein compared to traditional livestock. In addition to their use in food, insects are also used in the production of organic fertilizers and pet food.