Why companies are mass-producing edible insects

Summary

The transcript explores the rising trend of edible insects, focusing on cricket farming in the U.S. It features Aspire, a large-scale producer using automation to meet global food security needs, and Don Bugito, a boutique operation emphasizing organic practices. Both companies navigate challenges in production and consumer acceptance, highlighting the potential of crickets as a sustainable protein source. With a shared passion for their work, they embody the evolving landscape of insect consumption, aiming to make edible insects mainstream in American diets while facing the ups and downs of this burgeoning industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eating insects is common for 2 billion people globally, but not widely accepted in the US.
• 🌱 The UN report in 2013 emphasized insects as a sustainable food source to address future food security challenges.
• 🐜 Crickets are nutritious, requiring significantly less land and food to produce compared to traditional livestock.
• 🤖 Aspire, an insect farm in Texas, utilizes automation and robotics to scale up cricket farming efficiently.
• 👩‍🌾 Monica Martinez from Don Bugito in California focuses on organic and sustainable practices for her cricket snacks.
• 📉 The initial excitement around insect farming led to overhype, resulting in production challenges and some companies failing.
• 🍽️ Innovative insect products are being developed, such as whole roasted crickets and protein powder for bars.
• 🐞 Insect farming is portrayed as a combination of technological advancement and traditional methods, each with unique philosophies.
• 💡 Kevin Bachhuber reflects on the lessons learned from the insect farming boom and the slow nature of livestock production.
• 🌍 Both Aspire and Don Bugito share a commitment to the industry and are working towards a more sustainable food future.

Q & A

What are cricket snacks and how are they made?

Cricket snacks, like the Texas barbecue-flavored ones mentioned, are made from crickets that are hatched, grown, harvested, and then roasted or processed into protein powder. The crickets are farmed in a robotic facility and transformed into snacks through various culinary steps.

Why is insect consumption not common in the United States?

Insect consumption is uncommon in the U.S. compared to many other cultures where eating insects is a regular part of the diet. Historical stigma and lack of exposure have contributed to this phenomenon, despite the environmental and nutritional benefits of insects.

What did the 2013 UN report say about insects as food?

The 2013 UN report discussed the impending challenges of food security due to population growth and climate change, advocating for the consumption of insects as a sustainable food source due to their high nutritional value and lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock.

How does cricket farming compare to cattle farming in terms of resource use?

Cricket farming is significantly more efficient than cattle farming; it requires much less land and feed to produce the same amount of protein. For instance, it takes about 1.7 kilograms of feed to produce one kilogram of crickets, whereas producing one kilogram of beef may require around 10 kilograms of feed.

Who is Mohammed Ashour and what role does he play in the insect farming industry?

Mohammed Ashour is the co-founder and CEO of Aspire, a cricket farming company based in Austin, Texas. He aims to revolutionize food security through large-scale insect farming and automation, producing a significant volume of crickets for consumption.

What challenges did the insect farming industry face after the initial boom in 2015?

The insect farming industry faced challenges such as an inability to meet the sudden demand, production slowdowns, and a decline in public interest, which led to some companies failing while others had to pivot their business models.

What distinguishes Don Bugito from larger insect farming operations like Aspire?

Don Bugito, run by Monica Martinez, focuses on small-scale, organic farming practices with an emphasis on quality and sustainability, contrasting with Aspire's industrial-scale production and automation methods.

How do cultural backgrounds influence the perception of eating insects?

Cultural backgrounds play a significant role in the acceptance of eating insects. For example, in Mexico, where edible insects are a traditional food source, there is a more positive perception compared to the U.S., where eating insects is less common.

What personal experiences does Monica Martinez share about her connection to edible insects?

Monica Martinez recalls her childhood experiences in Mexico, where she enjoyed fresh agave worms cooked in butter. This cultural connection influences her approach to farming and her commitment to quality in her cricket snacks.

What is the future outlook for the insect farming industry based on the video?

The future outlook for the insect farming industry remains optimistic, with both Aspire and Don Bugito working towards greater acceptance and scalability of edible insects. They hope to see a significant shift in consumer attitudes and a potential boom in the market.