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Nutriearth has opened its first commercial manufacturing facility in Carvin, France, for the production of natural vitamin D3 made from edible insects.

The site was developed following a €7.45 million fundraising round and brings together 'R&D, quality and production operations' under pharmaceutical-grade standards. It features cleanroom operations and separate production lines for Nutriearth’s oil and powder product formats.

The facility produces vitamin D3 from Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) using a patented process that mimics the body’s natural vitamin D synthesis.

The company’s Nutra-oil is approved for use in supplements and functional foods in North America, while its N-utra flour was authorised by the European Commission in February 2025 for use in food applications such as bakery, pasta and snacks.

According to Nutriearth, the Carvin site will provide a local, sustainable supply of vitamin D3, reducing Europe’s reliance on imports from China and India, which account for most of the global market. The facility has capacity to supply the vitamin D3 needs of around 50 million people and will serve customers in human nutrition, nutraceuticals, pet food and animal feed.

Nutriearth’s vitamin D3 is absorbed up to three times better than lanolin-derived versions and twice as well as lichen-based alternatives, according to company data.

A life cycle assessment found the process generates 76.8% lower greenhouse gas emissions and has an eightfold lower overall environmental impact compared to conventional vitamin D3.

The project was supported by investors and partners including Demeter Investment Managers, Captech Santé, Rev3 Capital, Nord Capital, Nord France Amorçage and Bpifrance.