NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 13 Proteina’s sustainable insect protein secures EU support The animal feed industry has long grappled with sustainability challenges; from its heavy reliance on environmental and economic resources to its environmental footprint, it has raised increasing concerns about food security and the future of livestock feed. Although alternative solutions are still in their nascent stages, entrepreneurs are coming up with innovative solutions to change the game and set new standards in the industry. One of them is Ashraf El Sharkaway, owner of Proteina Feeds, a company from Egypt offering sustainable solutions for farmers and animal food systems, and ensuring food security for future generations. With the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), Proteina announced it is expanding its insect-based protein and gearing up to revolutionise the pet food industry. Reflecting on Proteina’s beginnings, El Sharkaway is convinced that an ’entrepreneurial bug’ has run through his family for generations and has finally caught up with him. His father had laid the groundwork for Proteina, establishing the business initially as a soya production plant, which supplied protein to animal feed companies. Recognising the significant challenges facing the industry – especially the growing scarcity of soybean yields and the environmental impact of traditional feed sources – El Sharkaway was inspired to bring his knack for business development to the fore and honour his father’s legacy. The bug, running in his family, sparked his idea of using actual bugs as insect protein. Read more>> UK sees growing interest in insect protein sector The UK Edible Insect Association (UKEIA) has seen its membership increase by 30% ahead of its planned conference: Nest 10, which is open to anyone with an interest in the farmed insect protein sector. The conference, which will take place at the University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington campus in the UK on 24-25 April 2025, will provide up to the minute insights into subjects as the health and welfare needs of insect herds, the global growth of the insect-based pet food industry, the incredible protein content and health benefits of insects, and why insects can slot in alongside traditional pastoral and agricultural practices to create the perfect circular model of farming. Reflecting the now very substantial UK sector - estimated at around 60 farmed insect protein focused companies, with new ones starting every month - the occasion will also include presentations from leading entrepreneurs, a panel discussion, practical workshops, an exhibition and a strong focus on networking, including a celebratory meal with insect-based dishes on the menu. UKEIA actually started in 2015 as a group of ‘insect enthusiasts’ who came together under the name Woven, but the past decade has seen the group transform into an essential trade body, which has bold plans to grow its influence in the political sphere. UKEIA is also keen to gather information from the wider sector ahead of the conference by updating its most recent ‘state of the nation’ report. Read more>>
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