ARTICLE 66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2023 INSECT INDUSTRY: THE CHALLENGES Studies on insect farming in recent literature are valuable for better understanding the main challenges related to this sector. Nevertheless, information considering the economic aspects of insect farming is scarce, and these issues need further investigation to understand how the cost-effectiveness and profitability of this sort of business can be increased [4]. Data accessibility, which is necessary for detailed analysis, is a challenge. Small-scale production rarely collects comprehensive data on their operations; hence the information is frequently lacking. Additionally, unlike the well-established feed and food sectors, insect producers do not make their data available for public use [7], increasing the difficulty of a sustainable production structure. Furthermore, low consumer acceptance is the major challenge in edible insects’ application as viable food sources that strongly depends on cultural differences. The evaluation of sensory characteristics such as taste, flavor, and texture also vary among species and requires further consideration in product formulation and development. The lack of clear legislation to regulate insect-based products may result in complications in the production and selling processes. The costly and lengthy process might prevent the investment from producing and selling insect-based products. Besides, the study of the farming conditions, suitable rearing conditions, diet formulation, drying, and processing equipment need optimization in an industrial-scale setting, increasing the overall processing costs. Multiple issues connected with poor knowledge of risks associated with potential insect toxicity, allergenicity, nutritional quality, and disease transferability are triggering limitations of their use by policymakers. Therefore, there is a need to bridge the gap between insect producers and the decision-makers who set the rules for insect-based products. If insects are to become a significant component of the human diet, or animal feed, further research is still required to optimize production systems [10]. Furthermore, defined regulations and government incentives support market development since they have a role in facilitating a shift toward new and sustainable food solutions. HOW WILL THE INDUSTRY LOOK IN THE FUTURE? A new productive sector for insects as food and feed, as well as for other industrial applications, is emerging and is fast developing. The insect protein market is driven, by factors such as rising urbanization, growing venture investments in alternative protein companies, innovation in food technology, the high nutritional value of insects, and environmental sustainability. It seems clear that the marketing strategy adopted by most edible insect companies is to develop processed products (e.g., bars, bakery, meat, pasta, and pizza products) in which insects are unseen in the form of a powder or similar [11]. The growing demand for high-protein food for sports nutrition, dietetic food, or food supplements creates further opportunities. Using insect-derived ingredients in such specialized products is a niche, but it is forecasted to develop rapidly in the following years. Insect farming is a growing business in which economic aspects must be recognized [4]. Accordingly, to a survey by Meticulous Research, the insect industry is expected to increase by 27.8% annually to be worth close to USD 8 billion by 2030. In Europe, from 500 tons of insect-based products in 2019, the market is predicted to increase to 260 000 tons by 2030. Insect food business operators involve micro (81%, <10 employees), followed by small (16%, 10−50 employees) and medium-sized (3%, 50−250 employees) companies. Only 3% of them obtain investments of up to 25 million euros, with the majority receiving investments of less than 500 000 euros. Most operators are clustered in northern European nations, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium showing the highest volume, followed by the Netherlands, France, Finland, and
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