Ÿnsect enters booming US chicken feed market

The backyard chicken market has experienced significant growth, particularly over the last 2 years, with the number of Americans rearing chickens having increased to around 26 million. By 2026, the US market is predicted to reach about US$ 400 million, according to a recent study by Arthur D. Little.

It is reported that 82% of US backyard chicken owners prefer mealworms versus other insects. Furthermore, Ÿnsect notes that recent trials have shown increased performance in terms of egg size.

A growing demand for alternative protein for animal feed

With the world’s largest vertical insect farm in France, Ÿnsect transforms Buffalo and Molitor mealworms into sustainable ingredients used in feed for animals, fish, plants and humans. Jord Producers, meanwhile, has commercial-scale mealworm production facilities in Nebraska aimed at helping to meet the growing demand for alternative protein in animal feed and human food. On the company’s farms, mealworms are raised in a vertical growing system on wheat bran with potato slices or carrots added as a moisture source.

Plans to increase mealworm larvae production

With the incorporation of Jord Producers, Ÿnsect’s production portfolio grows to 3 vertical farms and 1 hatchery. The company aims to increase volumes of mealworm larvae production which, it says, will help pave the way for further entries into the petfood market, with ingredients like protein meal and oil expected to be approved for production in the near future in North America.