Ynsect

Ynsect is a French company that specializes in insect farming and production of insect-based products. Founded in 2011, Ynsect focuses on cultivating mealworms (larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle) to produce protein-rich ingredients for animal feed, pet food, and fertilizers. The company operates vertical insect farms, including its flagship facility near Amiens, France, which is considered the world's largest automated insect farm. Ynsect's production process involves using AI-driven technology and robotics to control environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels for optimal insect growth. The company transforms mealworms into three main products: a low-fat protein powder, oil, and organic fertilizer derived from insect manure. Ynsect's approach aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, with claims of significantly lower carbon emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to conventional livestock production. In February 2021, Ynsect received approval from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) for using mealworms in human food products. The company has expanded internationally, opening a farm in Nebraska, US, and has plans for further global expansion. Ynsect has registered over 380 patents for its farming technology and processes.

Key customers and partnerships

Ynsect's products cater to various industries, including fish farming, pig and poultry feed, and pet food manufacturers. The company has reported having EUR 150 million in contracted revenue as of June 2022. Ynsect has partnered with food giants Cargill and ADM in the US to expand its presence in the American market. In the pet food sector, which Ynsect views as a bridge between animal feed and human consumers, the company targets cat and dog owners looking for high-quality, sustainable pet nutrition. Ynsect has also begun exploring the human food market, particularly focusing on protein bars for athletes and nutritional supplements for the elderly. The company collaborates with various food manufacturers to incorporate its insect-based ingredients into products such as meat substitutes and protein bars. In France, Ynsect works with Jimini's, the only company currently authorized to sell insect-based products in the country, supplying them with protein powder for their products.