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Imagine a future where insects play a crucial role in providing sustainable, high-quality nutrition for livestock and pets. This is the bold vision of the French startup Innovafeed, which has just expanded its pioneering insect farm in Nesle, Somme. A real revolution in the food industry is underway!
Black Soldier Flies Lead the Way
At this state-of-the-art insect farm, black soldier fly larvae are at the center of production. These insects are raised in optimal conditions and then processed into protein-rich meal, perfectly suited for feeding farmed fish, as well as our beloved pets, dogs, and cats. This provides a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional fish meal, whose stocks are depleting in the oceans.
A Unique Industrial Process
With the new 20,000 m² production line towering 36 meters high, Innovafeed now operates the world’s largest site dedicated to insect production. The startup’s team has successfully developed a unique, eco-friendly, and profitable industrial process, demonstrating their expertise in overcoming both technological and logistical challenges.
This achievement paves the way for promising future opportunities and proves that it is possible to harmonize economic performance with ecological responsibility.
Clément Ray, President and Co-founder of Innovafeed
A Symbiotic Industrial Partnership
The location of Innovafeed’s plant in Nesle is no coincidence. It is part of a symbiotic industrial model in collaboration with two major local players: Tereos, which supplies cereal by-products to feed the insects, and Kogeban, which processes the manure from insect farming. This circular, cooperative model is deeply rooted in the Hauts-de-France region.
Aiming for 100,000 Tons Annually
With this expansion, Innovafeed now aims for an ambitious goal: to produce 100,000 tons of insect-based meal and fertilizers each year. This will help meet the growing demand for alternative proteins while creating skilled jobs in the region:
- 40 new employees have been hired
- Positions range from production operators and maintenance technicians to team coordinators
- All recruits are from the Hauts-de-France region
A Growing Startup with Determination
Since its founding in 2016, Innovafeed has made remarkable progress. With 175 employees and €490 million raised, the company is expanding internationally and has secured solid partnerships with industry giants such as Cargill, Auchan, and Italpollina. While some competitors are facing difficulties, Innovafeed continues to strengthen its leadership and prove the viability of its innovative business model.
Feeding the world sustainably is one of the biggest challenges of our time. With its next-generation insect farms, Innovafeed offers a concrete and inspiring solution, paving the way for a transformation of our food systems. This French success story is certainly one to watch!
