The UK Edible Insect Association believes that 2025 will be the year alternative protein goes mainstream. Preparing for the Nest 1.0 – Farmed Insect Protein Conference to be held on 24-25 April 2025, the association announced that it has increased its membership by 30% ahead of the conference.
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.
Managing Director of UKEIA, Nick Rousseau, said: “We need to know what people really think about the potential of insect protein. Whether that’s national farming groups, major food sauce brands, bakeries, waste management companies or food service companies looking to offer their customers more sustainable options, or just curious individuals we’re encouraging participation in our survey with draws to win tickets to Nest 1.0, at the end of January, February and March 2025.”
“Nest 1.0 will provide an opportunity for farmers, restaurateurs, researchers, teachers and more to come along and examine the world of insect protein closely. It’s essential that UKEIA pushes for change on behalf of our members, and the planet. Realising the circular potential of farmed insect protein will only come if we can work together and demonstrate the sector’s potential contribution to the British economy and the creation of ‘green jobs’. Our conference will enable us to plan how we can best work together,” Rousseau expressed.
EMBRACING THE POWER OF INSECT BIOCONVERSION EASILY AND QUICKLY
New business members FlyBox, headed up by CEO Larry Kotch, who’s also elected to join the UKEIA Board of Directors, stated: “Joining the leadership of UKEIA was a great step for us to help bring in some of the lessons learned around the world building insect waste management facilities for customers. With eight projects ongoing in 2024, including four in the UK, Flybox is hoping to lead by example and help the next generation of insect farmers and food/waste businesses embrace the power of insect bioconversion easily and quickly.”
“UKEIA’s deep connections to research and regulatory organisations is key to smoothing the path for new entrants and we’re proud to contribute to that collective effort,” Kotch added.
WE AIM TO ‘CLOSE THE LOOP’ ON ALL TYPES OF WASTE
Colin Atkin, the new Project & Sales Manager for MYGroup, a waste management, upcyling and recycling firm that processes around 800,000 tons of waste a year, decided to join UKEIA after seeing MD Nick Rousseau present on the future of insect protein at a recent Royal Entomological Society conference in Sheffield.
He said: “Construction is currently underway for MYGroup’s first Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farm and insect processing plant, based within our established protein hydrolysis facility. We’ll be rearing insects on different waste streams, then using extraction systems that allow us to utilise bio-based processes for reduced carbon treatment of waste, alongside producing low-carbon materials such as sustainable proteins and fats.”
“At MYGroup we aim to ‘close the loop’ on all types of waste and we’re committed to continuous investment and service improvements to achieve this aim – diverting from landfill and incineration. We had a fantastic year in 2023, investing over £1.5million into recycling, recovery and renewable energy projects on site in Yorkshire, increasing group turnover to over £20million and we see our membership of UKEIA as intrinsic to sharing our successes and challenges with others up and coming in the sector,” Atkin finished.
Tickets for Nest 1.0 are on sale now, with discounts for members, with opportunities for sponsorship and exhibiting also available.
