The edible insect market - France

The global market for edible insects, estimated at $1.4 million, is growing by 20% a year. This growth is facilitated by increasing recognition of the nutritional benefits of insects and their potential contribution to food security.

Around 2 billion people worldwide are entomophagists, mainly in regions such as Asia-Pacific, South America and Africa.

Social acceptance and regulatory challenges, particularly in Europe where legislation is complex and varies from country to country, are major obstacles to market expansion.

Innovations in primary processing and the B2B segment, such as Ÿnsect and Innovafeed in the animal feed sector, are driving market growth.

Reluctance and gradual acceptance of edible insects on the French market

The market for edible insects, a practice known as entomophagy, while promising in nutritional terms and environmentally sustainable, faces considerable challenges in terms of social acceptance in France.

In France, the concept of eating insects is still widely rejected. Some 70% to 40% of the French population is very reluctant.

Among the small proportion of French citizens who have already eaten insects, the majority see it as an experiment rather than a transformation of their diet. between 90% and 77% of French people have never tried eating insects. Only 5% are willing to consider eating insects.

Nevertheless, the market for edible insects is growing, particularly when insects are incorporated into flavored snacks and pastries, or used as hidden ingredients.

The market for edible insects and insect-based products in France is mainly focused on animal feed.

The French market remains marginal, at just a few million euros, and is hampered by both cultural attitudes and regulatory barriers that have made the commercial sale of edible insects officially illegal.

Edible insect market players

• Micronutris Founded in 2011 by Cédric Auriol, Micronutris has positioned itself as an innovator and pioneer in the French edible insect market. The company is present at all stages of the supply chain, from breeding to distribution, including primary and secondary insect processing.
• Nutri'Earth Specializing in mealworm flour, Nutri'Earth is aimed at companies that prepare recipes with the end consumer in mind, especially senior citizens.
• Ynsect has made a name for itself in the global industry of insects for animal feed rather than human consumption. With plants throughout Europe and plans for expansion in the United States, Ynsect is paving the way for a sustainable protein revolution in animal feed.
• Innovafeed produces large volumes of insect meal for livestock. Its state-of-the-art facility in Nesle is ready to increase production.
• Jimini's is a prime example of a market processor that has successfully exploited the processing and retail segment. The company offers a range of products from natural and flavored insects to more appetizing products such as energy bars and pasta.
• Inoveat: A unique company in the foodservice sector, Inoveat sources ingredients from companies such as Micronutris to create innovative dishes.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 24/11/2021

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