Entobel, currently building Asia’s largest insect plant to date, explained that it has partnered with IFC to support the sustainable aquafeed and aquaculture industry in Vietnam.
Entobel, one of the leading global insect-based ingredient producers, has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to scale up its operations in Vietnam. As part of a long-term collaboration agreement that includes early-stage project development support, IFC will support Entobel’s expansion in Vietnam and the region.
Based in Singapore, Entobel is one of the very few players already producing insect ingredients at a commercial scale from the Black Soldier Fly-a species that provides a great source of protein-with applications in high-quality aquafeed and pet food. Entobel is currently building Asia’s largest insect plant to date in Vung Tau province, Vietnam, which will supply 10,000 metric tons of insect meal annually to local and international aquafeed and pet food-producing customers. The construction is on schedule and the first commercial sales are expected later this year.
The main product of Entobel is insect meal, which is used, among other applications, as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal in the aquaculture industry. The impact of Entobel will be to replace wild-caught fish being used for fishmeal, thus helping to alleviate over-fishing.
WE ARE HAPPY TO SUPPORT ENTOBEL
“We are impressed by Entobel’s operations in this innovative industry, which can provide a sustainable high-protein alternative to wild-caught fish used in aquafeed. Reaching scalable levels of production will help protect marine ecosystems and reduce the depletion of ocean resources. We are happy to support Entobel on this exciting and impactful journey,” said Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.
Co-founders Gaetan Crielaard and Alexandre de Caters, both Belgians, moved to Vietnam in 2013 after realizing the vast potential of this new and innovative industry. Southeast Asia is a main aquaculture hub and the tropical climate is ideal to rear the Black Soldier Fly with relatively lower energy costs compared to competitors in Europe.
“After spending almost 10 years in Southeast Asia, we know we have made the right decision to start our company here. We are aligned with IFC on focusing on the tropical region to minimize our environmental footprint and remain highly competitive,” shared Alexandre de Caters.
A MORE SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
“We are proud to count IFC as a partner. This will enable us to accelerate international expansion in Asia where we are convinced the strongest growth potential lies for this industry. It is essential for Entobel to contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry and help reduce the oceans’ depletion. To achieve our ambitious impact goals, scale and industrialization of the model is needed,” said Gaetan.
