The feed insects market - Germany (2023)

The global market for edible insects has grown significantly, with market size reaching an estimated $1.18 billion by 2023 - more than doubling from sales of around $500 million. This market expansion reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.81%. The trend is fuelled by a growing global demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources, particularly in regions such as Asia and Africa, and by environmental and ethical considerations linked to traditional meat consumption. Europe has seen progress with the approval of several insect species as foods by the EU, encouraging the emergence of startups and new products on the market, despite ongoing challenges such as consumer acceptance and regulatory hurdles.

Key players, mainly startups, operate in various segments, including breeding, processing and distribution. The insect products available are varied, ranging from snacks to protein bars and pasta, and mainly contain domestic crickets and buffalo worms, with an average insect content of 43% in the product groups examined.

Trends and prospects for the German edible insect market

The German edible insect market is experiencing a gradual but promising boom. As sustainability and alternative protein sources become more relevant, demand for edible insects is on a growth trajectory. Although consumption levels are still relatively low, the market's steady growth rate points to burgeoning opportunities for expansion and innovation. We're seeing an impressive compound annual growth rate of around 20-25%. Notably, the global market shares this upward trend. With the edible insect industry set to potentially double its sales from around $450 million to $500 million to around $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion by 2023, there is clear potential for significant market expansion in Germany too. German consumers are becoming progressively more experimental in their gastronomy, with a small sector showing an interest in incorporating insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms into their diets. This consumer base is probably motivated by the search for sustainable and organic protein sources, as well as curiosity about new culinary experiences. In terms of market segmentation, startups are the main drivers of the German landscape. They are establishing themselves mainly through online platforms, offering innovative products such as snacks and protein bars. Restrictive EU legislation initially posed problems for traditional companies, but since 2021 there seems to be a legislative shift that could facilitate market growth. In terms of consumer demographics, interest in sustainable nutrition is growing, particularly among those seeking ecological and ethical alternatives to meat consumption.

Younger people seem more open to the idea of laboratory-grown meat, with 10-20% willing to try it. In contrast, older generations lean slightly in favor of eating insects, with a similar percentage open to the idea, highlighting a generational gap in the acceptance of alternative proteins. Despite the impetus for innovation, there is a notable psychological barrier of distaste and unfamiliarity that prevents the wider adoption of insects as a food. However, if these difficulties can be alleviated through education and culinary innovation, the market could see renewed interest due to the known environmental benefits and high nutrient content of insects. German start-ups and established companies are engaged in various segments of the value chain, from breeding to processing and distribution, although detailed sales figures are not widely disclosed. Product offerings on the market vary, with domestic crickets and buffalo worms predominantly found in snacks and pasta. The insect content of these products varies widely, ranging from 90% to 100% for snacks.

The main players in the German edible insects market

The emerging edible insects market in Germany is characterized by the innovative efforts of a dynamic group of players, mainly start-ups, who are navigating a relatively new and rapidly evolving sector. These pioneers are not only responsible for breeding and processing insects; they are also playing a key role in changing consumer perceptions and promoting insects as a viable and sustainable source of nutrition. Let's explore the remarkable efforts of these pioneering companies.

• Fauna Topics" breeding specialists Zoobedarf, Zucht- und Handels-GmbH is one of the main contributors to the upstream segment of the value chain. Specialists in insect breeding, they form an essential basis for the market by ensuring a regular, controlled supply of high-quality insects. Their role is fundamental, as they support the entire industry by cultivating various species suitable for human consumption.
• Headed by Frank Dammann, Snack-Insects is a company that has taken the lead in processing and direct-to-consumer sales. It produces a variety of insect-based snacks that meet the changing tastes of German consumers, who are open to new, environmentally-friendly sources of protein. Snack-Insects is known as the pioneer of gourmet insects, contributing to the normalization of insect consumption in the Western diet.
• Swiss influence Based in Switzerland, Essento has established itself throughout Europe, including Germany. The company focuses on creating innovative and appetizing insect-based foods, from snacks to protein bars. Its presence on the market has helped to push the boundaries and demonstrate that insects can be part of everyday cooking while appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
• A group effort Copper Innovative Food, with its strong group sales, is an indication of the insect products industry's growth potential. Its commitment to developing sustainable food options makes it an important processor and producer, helping to strengthen its market presence and offer a variety of products to suit different consumer preferences.
• The cricket craze Dedicated to domestic crickets, Wicked Cricket GbR is a German company dedicated to the niche segment of cricket-based food products.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 13/06/2023

Summary and extracts