beetles, water beetles and others, coupled with health benefits associated with
consumption of beetles. Crucial role played by beetles in biodegradation and their ability
to convert tree cellulose into digestible fat are fueling the growth of edible beetles based
food products. The demand for mopane caterpillars are anticipated to rise over the
forecast period owing to the high iron content present in them along with their higher
economical value. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one-third
of the world population is affected by iron deficiency anemia, which creates a huge
demand for iron-rich diet.
By Application:
On the basis of application, animal feed is expected to hold the largest market share due
to their higher adaptation for animal feeding. Escalation in prices of soybean meal and
fishmeal is driving the demand for cost-effective and sustainable feed solutions for
animals, which is creating great scope for the growth of edible insects market in animal
feeding. Lower capital investment and less water required for the production of edible
insect based animal feed will boost the growth of edible insects market over the forecast
period. Rising demand for cost-effective protein-rich snacks, especially in poor countries
such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zambia and others are anticipated to encourage the edible
insect food products manufacturers to manufacture snacks made up of insect protein,
which will further aid the growth of edible insects market.
Regional Insight:
North America is expected to hold the major revenue share in the global edible insects
market over the forecast period, due to rising demand for sustainable feed in the region
as well as higher adaptation of edible insects by the population of US and Canada. Rising
concern over production and consumption of meat for fulfillment of protein requirement
is driving the growth of edible insects market. Furthermore, presence of prominent
players such as EnviroFlight and Aspire Food Group are contributing to the growth of
edible insects market in the region. Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest
growing region for the edible insects market, as the population in Asian countries such as
China and India is increasing at a faster pace, which in turn is generating the demand for
cost-effective nutritive food to feed the population. Availability of some insects such as
beetles and crickets in abundance and their use in the production of food items such as
smoothies and breads are driving the growth for edible insects market in the region.