Thailand abuzz over bug-based feed as alternative to grain

Business booms as livestock farms seek to address sustainability concerns

A man feeds his animals at a cattle market in Pakistan. Europe is leading in the insect protein market, but more and more companies in Southeast Asia are developing foods containing insects. © Reuters

KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer

August 11, 2022 16:21 JST

BANGKOK -- Startups in Thailand are focusing on insects to make animal feed, seeking to help alleviate increasing pressure on livestock farmers to move toward sustainability.

"Insect-derived feed can be a solution to circular economy," said Peter Hamilton, CEO of Biovert Protein, a Thai startup developing technology to pulverize black soldier fly larvae to process into fish feed.