Edible cricket agriculture
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Tackling the market for insect protein.
Overcoming the many obstacles of introducing insect protein into human and animal feed diets
The Opportunity
Crickets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about protein. But for Entomo, and many other insect agriculture companies, crickets and other insects are powerful protein production machines. They convert feed into protein at a more efficient ratio than any animal, and bring additional nutrients and benefits as a feed and as a soil amendment.
The Challenge
Entomo Farms was efficiently producing a significant amount of crickets for protein. Almost all of their sales were going into pet or animal food or treats. They wanted to increase those sales AND help move the needle on sustainable protein production by introducing crickets as a form of food for humans. They developed a range of products, including whole roasted crickets, cricket flour, and cricket-flour based products. Now they needed someone to help take them to market.
We continue to evolve and grow in the edible insect industry around the world. We are pioneers and have overcome many obstacles. Having a group like NPC on our side, and backing our mission with this kind of financial support was instrumental in providing the credibility to our plan and business model and for that we are ever grateful.
NPC’s Solution
NPC provided Entomo with $50,000 through its Access To Talent Program to help them hire a CEO to lead their sales strategy and capital raise. Despite a number of early COVID-related challenges with suppliers and partners, they were able to develop a new strategy for development and marketing of snack and food products, increase their capital, and improve their sales in the animal/pet food markets.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Entomo Farms
Description:
Sector(s):
Agriculture, Animal, Agtech, Food, Nutrition, FoodtechFunding Type:
Access to TalentProvince:
OntarioFunding Amount:
$50,000
Year of Funding:
2020
Name:
Ezio D’Onofrio
