Dutch insect supplier Protix has announced it has acquired insect breeder Fair Insects as it aims to broaden its product portfolio.
Through the acquisition, Protix said it will be able to serve a range of customers with products like protein-rich foods, meat replacements and health beverages. Fair Insects currently sells crickets, grasshoppers and yellow mealworms.
Since 2009, Protix has developed sustainable insect based products that ‘unlock new opportunities for our customers’. Founded by two former McKinsey & Company colleagues, the company has been looking at acquisitions for the past two years, with Fair Insects a key target.
Earlier this year, Protix announced it had secured €45 million in funding to expand its production capacity with a focus on the agricultural industry.
As the global population continues to grow, leading to increased demand for meat and fish, Protix claims its insect products are a ‘low-impact protein alternative’ that can be cultivated sustainably.
Protix CEO Kees Aarts said: “We are very excited with this new Protix company. With the diversification to additional species we can offer the broader range of exciting products our customers have requested over the years.
“Together with our black soldier fly-based ingredients we can further work towards healthy nutrition for all living creatures on this planet and enable a low-footprint society.”
Currently Protex’s products are used in over 12 countries, in feed applications ranging from pig and poultry to pet food specialities.
Last month Swiss start-up Essento introduced a range of burgers and balls made from insects, going on sale in supermarket Coop. The burgers contain mealworms, rice, carrots and leeks, as well as oregano and chilli. The insect balls consist of a mix of mealworms, chickpeas, onions, coriander and parsley.
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