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Global Insect Farming Market to Hit $12.3B by 2034 | CAGR 15.8%
Global Insect Farming Market Size, Share, Analysis By By Insect Type (Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Mealworms, Crickets, Others), By Application (Animal Feed, Human Food, Pet Food, Industrial Applications), By Product (Protein Meal, Insect Oil, Whole Insects, Chitin & Derivatives) Industry Region & Key Players-Industry Segment Overview, Market Dynamics, Competitive Strategies, Trends & Forecast 2025-2034
Report Overview
The Global Insect Farming Market is projected to reach approximately USD 12.3 Billion by 2034, up from USD 2.8 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. The Global Insect Farming Market refers to the large-scale cultivation and harvesting of insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, crickets, and others for use in animal feed, human food, pet food, and various industrial applications. Insect farming leverages the natural efficiency of insects to convert organic waste and low-value biomass into high-quality protein, oils, and micronutrients.
This market is gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock and fishmeal production, offering significant environmental benefits such as reduced land and water use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and the ability to upcycle food and agricultural waste. Key drivers of the insect farming market include the rising global demand for sustainable protein sources, increasing pressure on traditional agriculture, and the need for environmentally friendly solutions to feed a growing population.
Insects offer high feed conversion efficiency, rapid growth rates, and the ability to thrive on organic waste, making them an attractive option for both food and feed industries. Regulatory support in regions like Europe, growing consumer acceptance of insect-based products, and advances in automated farming technologies are further accelerating market growth. Additionally, the circular economy benefits of insect farming—such as waste reduction and nutrient recycling—are drawing interest from governments and investors alike.
The market is segmented by insect type (black soldier fly, mealworms, crickets, and others), application (animal feed, human food, pet food, and industrial uses), product (protein meal, insect oil, whole insects, and chitin & derivatives), and region (Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa). Black soldier fly dominates due to its high protein yield and waste upcycling ability, while animal feed is the largest application segment, especially in aquaculture and poultry. Protein meal is the primary product, and Europe leads regionally thanks to strong regulatory support and consumer awareness. Europe is the leading region in the global insect farming market, supported by favorable regulations, significant investment in research and development, and early consumer acceptance of insect-based products. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by traditional insect consumption, rapid urbanization, and population growth, with countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam at the forefront. North America is expanding quickly as regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer interest in alternative proteins rises. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, where insect farming is being explored as a solution to food security and sustainable agriculture challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the insect farming market. While supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty temporarily slowed the expansion of new facilities and investments, the crisis also heightened awareness of food security and the need for resilient, local protein sources. As a result, interest in sustainable and alternative proteins—including insects—grew among both consumers and producers. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation and automation in insect farming, helping companies adapt to labor shortages and operational challenges.
Geopolitical dynamics influence the insect farming market through trade policies, food safety regulations, and international investment flows. Regulatory harmonization in regions like the European Union has facilitated market growth, while inconsistent regulations in other areas can pose barriers to trade and expansion. Global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable agriculture are encouraging governments to support insect farming through research funding and policy incentives. However, geopolitical tensions, such as trade disputes or restrictions on agricultural imports and exports, can impact the supply chain and market access for insect-based products.
Key Takeaways
- Market Growth: The Insect Farming Market is expected to reach USD 12.3 Billion by 2034, driven by demand for sustainable protein, animal feed innovation, and circular economy initiatives.
- Product Dominance: Protein meal and oil derived from black soldier fly larvae and mealworms lead the market due to their high nutritional value and versatility.
- Application Dominance: Animal feed is the largest application segment, with aquaculture and poultry industries adopting insect-based feed for improved nutrition and sustainability.
- Drivers: Key drivers include environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, regulatory support, and growing consumer acceptance of insect-based products.
- Restraints: Barriers include regulatory uncertainty in some regions, consumer hesitancy, and challenges in scaling production.
- Opportunities: Growth opportunities lie in pet food, human nutrition, waste management, and the development of novel insect-derived ingredients.
- Trends: Notable trends include the rise of automated insect farming, upcycling of food waste, and the expansion of insect-based products into mainstream retail and foodservice channels.
- Regional Dominance: Europe leads the market, supported by favorable regulations, strong R&D, and early adoption, while Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth due to traditional insect consumption and rapid urbanization.
Insect Type Analysis
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) holds the largest share of the insect farming market, accounting for approximately 45% of the global market. BSF is favored for its rapid growth cycle, high protein yield, and exceptional ability to upcycle organic waste into valuable protein and oils, making it highly efficient for large-scale production. Mealworms represent about 25% of the market, popular for both animal feed and human food due to their mild flavor, high protein content, and ease of farming. Crickets account for roughly 20%, widely used in human food products such as protein bars, snacks, and powders, especially in North America and Europe where consumer acceptance is rising. Others—including grasshoppers, locusts, and silkworms—make up the remaining 10%, primarily used in niche applications and traditional cuisines in Asia and Africa.
Application Analysis
Animal Feed is the dominant application, comprising nearly 60% of the global insect farming market. Insect protein is increasingly used in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food due to its digestibility, sustainability, and ability to replace fishmeal and soy. Human Food is the fastest-growing segment, currently holding about 20% share, as edible insects gain acceptance in protein-rich snacks, flours, and supplements, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Pet Food accounts for around 12%, with insect-based pet food gaining traction for its hypoallergenic properties and environmental benefits. Industrial Applications—including fertilizers, bioplastics, and cosmetics—make up the remaining 8%, leveraging insect-derived oils and chitin for various non-food uses.
Region Analysis
Europe leads the global insect farming market with an estimated 38% share, driven by strong regulatory support, significant investment, and high consumer awareness of sustainability. The region’s progressive policies and early adoption have fostered a robust industry ecosystem. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, currently holding about 32% of the market, propelled by traditional insect consumption, rapid urbanization, and population growth in countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam. North America accounts for approximately 20%, expanding rapidly as regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer interest in alternative proteins rises, especially in the U.S. and Canada. Latin America & Middle East & Africa collectively represent about 10% of the market, emerging as promising regions with growing interest in sustainable agriculture and food security solutions.
Key Market Segment
By Insect Type
- Black Soldier Fly (BSF)
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- Others
By Application
- Animal Feed
- Human Food
- Pet Food
- Industrial Applications
By Product
- Protein Meal
- Insect Oil
- Whole Insects
- Chitin & Derivatives
By Region
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Latin America & Middle East & Africa
Drivers
Sustainability and Resource Efficiency:
Insect farming is increasingly recognized as a highly sustainable alternative to conventional livestock and fishmeal production. Insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, and crickets can convert organic waste and low-value biomass into high-quality protein and oils with remarkable efficiency. They require a fraction of the land, water, and feed needed for cattle, poultry, or fish, and their greenhouse gas emissions are minimal. This makes insect farming a powerful tool for addressing food security, reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture, and supporting global efforts to combat climate change. As the world’s population grows and natural resources become more constrained, the ability of insects to produce more protein with fewer inputs is a compelling advantage.
Regulatory Support and Market Acceptance:
The regulatory landscape is evolving in favor of insect farming, especially in Europe, where the European Union has approved insect protein for use in aquafeed and poultry feed. This regulatory clarity has encouraged significant investment, research, and innovation in the sector. As more countries update their food safety and feed regulations to include insects, the market is expected to expand further. Simultaneously, consumer awareness of the health and environmental benefits of insect-based products is rising. Educational campaigns, media coverage, and the introduction of insect-based foods in mainstream retail are gradually overcoming skepticism, leading to greater market acceptance and demand.
Restraints
Consumer Perception and Cultural Barriers:
Despite the clear nutritional and environmental benefits, many consumers—particularly in North America and Europe—are reluctant to embrace insect-based foods. Cultural aversions, the so-called “yuck” factor, and unfamiliarity with insect consumption present significant hurdles. Overcoming these barriers requires sustained efforts in consumer education, creative marketing, and the development of appealing, familiar products (such as protein bars, flours, and snacks) that mask the insect origin. Without a shift in perception, the growth of the human food segment may remain limited in some regions.
Production Scale and Cost Challenges:
Scaling insect farming from small pilot projects to industrial-scale operations is capital-intensive. Investments are needed in automated rearing systems, climate control, biosecurity, and processing infrastructure to ensure consistent quality and safety. For new entrants, these costs can be prohibitive, and even established producers may face challenges in maintaining supply chain reliability and meeting regulatory standards. Additionally, until economies of scale are achieved, the cost of insect protein may remain higher than traditional sources, limiting its competitiveness in price-sensitive markets.
Opportunities
Expansion in Pet Food and Aquaculture:
The use of insect protein in pet food and aquaculture feed is a rapidly growing opportunity. Insect-based pet foods are valued for their hypoallergenic properties, high digestibility, and sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious pet owners. In aquaculture, insect protein is a promising alternative to fishmeal, which is expensive and environmentally taxing. As regulations expand and awareness grows, these segments are expected to drive significant demand, providing new revenue streams for insect farmers.
Waste Upcycling and Circular Economy:
Insect farming uniquely supports the circular economy by converting organic waste from agriculture, food processing, and households into valuable protein, oils, and fertilizer. This not only reduces the burden on landfills and lowers methane emissions but also creates a closed-loop system where waste is transformed into resources. Governments and sustainability-focused investors are increasingly interested in these benefits, leading to policy support, funding, and partnerships that further accelerate the adoption of insect farming.
Trends
Automation and Vertical Farming:
The industry is witnessing a shift toward highly automated, vertical farming systems for insect production. These systems use robotics, IoT sensors, and climate control to optimize rearing conditions, reduce labor costs, and ensure biosecurity. Vertical farming allows for year-round production in controlled environments, maximizing output per square meter and making insect farming feasible even in urban or land-constrained areas. This technological advancement is key to scaling up production and meeting growing global demand.
Product Diversification and Branding:
Insect farming companies are moving beyond basic protein meal to develop a diverse portfolio of products, including insect oils for cosmetics and animal feed, flours for baking, ready-to-eat snacks, and even chitin for pharmaceuticals and bioplastics. Strong branding, transparent sourcing, and innovative product development are crucial for building consumer trust and differentiating products in a competitive market. Companies that invest in storytelling, certifications, and visible sustainability credentials are better positioned to capture market share and drive industry growth.
Key Player Analysis
AgriProtein: AgriProtein, headquartered in South Africa, is a global pioneer in large-scale insect farming and one of the earliest companies to commercialize the use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae for animal feed and organic fertilizer. The company’s core technology involves converting organic waste—such as food scraps and agricultural byproducts—into high-protein insect meal, insect oil, and frass (insect manure) through the mass rearing of BSF. AgriProtein’s operations are designed to address both food security and waste management challenges, making their model highly attractive for circular economy initiatives. Their products are used primarily in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food, and the company has established partnerships and licensing agreements to expand its technology globally.
Protix: Protix, based in the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s leading insect farming companies, specializing in the production of high-quality insect protein and oil from black soldier fly larvae. Protix operates one of the world’s largest and most advanced insect production facilities, utilizing state-of-the-art automation, vertical farming, and data-driven management systems to ensure efficiency, scalability, and biosecurity. The company’s products are used in animal feed (especially aquafeed and pet food), as well as in fertilizers and specialty ingredients. Protix is known for its strong focus on sustainability, traceability, and innovation, and it collaborates with food producers, retailers, and research institutions to advance the adoption of insect-based solutions.
EnviroFlight: EnviroFlight, headquartered in the United States, is a prominent player in North America’s insect farming industry, focusing on the sustainable production of black soldier fly larvae for animal feed, pet food, and fertilizer. The company operates a commercial-scale production facility in Kentucky, which was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. EnviroFlight’s proprietary technology enables the efficient conversion of agricultural and food waste into high-value insect protein and oil, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic viability. The company is committed to research and development, continuously improving its processes and expanding its product portfolio.
Key Market Players
- Ÿnsect
- AgriProtein
- Protix
- EnviroFlight
- InnovaFeed
- Entomo Farms
- Hexafly
- NextProtein
- Beta Hatch
- Nutrition Technologies
Recent Development
Ynsect: The French insect farming company Ynsect has had a tough year, filing for insolvency in early 2025. To address this, the company secured two bridge funding rounds totaling €18.6 million. This will help them stay operational until the end of 2025 while they shift their strategy. A big part of this new plan includes reassessing their expensive automated vertical farming model and moving toward a cheaper production method. Despite these issues, Ynsect reached an important milestone in January 2024 when it became the first company to get regulatory approval in the U.S. to sell its mealworm protein for dog food.
Protix: Protix, located in the Netherlands, has focused on expanding internationally and improving its environmental reputation. In March 2025, the company obtained a €1 million development loan to study the feasibility of a new production facility in South Korea, taking advantage of the country’s strong food waste infrastructure. This follows a new Life Cycle Assessment released in April 2024, which showed that Protix's black soldier fly ingredients greatly lower the environmental impact compared to traditional protein sources like soy and poultry meal. This reinforces its role as a leader in sustainability.
InnovaFeed: InnovaFeed has been steadily growing its presence in the industry and its market reach through partnerships and brand development. In July 2024, the company finished the third phase of expansion at its Nesle production site in France, greatly increasing its capacity. After this, in February 2024, they launched a new brand, Hilucia™, to bring together their range of insect-based ingredients. Most recently, in April 2025, InnovaFeed joined the Avoided Emissions Platform (AEP), a global effort to measure "scope 4" emissions. This highlights the company’s role in offering a clear solution for changing agri-food systems.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size (2024) | USD 2.8 Billion |
| Forecast Revenue (2034) | USD 12.3 Billion |
| CAGR (2024-2034) | 15.8% |
| Historical data | 2018-2023 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2034 |
| Report coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Market Dynamics, Growth Factors, Trends and Recent Developments |
| Segments covered | By Insect Type (Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Mealworms, Crickets, Others), By Application (Animal Feed, Human Food, Pet Food, Industrial Applications), By Product (Protein Meal, Insect Oil, Whole Insects, Chitin & Derivatives) |
| Research Methodology |
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| Regional scope |
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| Competitive Landscape | Ÿnsect, AgriProtein, Protix, EnviroFlight, InnovaFeed, Entomo Farms, Hexafly, NextProtein, Beta Hatch, Nutrition Technologies |
| Customization Scope | Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements. |
| Pricing and Purchase Options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License, Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), Corporate Use License (Unlimited User and Printable PDF). |
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