Canada-based meat company Maple Leaf Foods has strengthened its position in the growing insect protein sector by investing in edible insect producer Entomo Farms.
Maple Leaf Foods claims that Entomo Farms is the largest farmer of insects suitable for human consumption in North America, as the company operates a 60,000 square-feet insect production facility.
Entomo Farms produces both cricket and mealworm powders as well as roasted insect snacks, which it supplies to over 50 food companies in eight countries.
Entomo claims that its insect powders a can be incorporated into various food products including protein bars, pasta, smoothies, crackers, and baking mixes.
Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods said: “Our minority venture investment in Entomo is consistent with our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth.
“Entomo Farms and Maple Leaf’s products will be separate, but we are excited to help foster their continued leadership in insect protein and aspiration to become the largest insect protein supplier in the world.
“We see a long-term role in this form of sustainable protein delivery, both for animal and human consumption, as it is elsewhere in the world.”
Jarrod Goldin, president and co-founder of Entomo Farms added: “From our first meeting with Maple Leaf Foods, we were impressed with their commitment to environmental sustainability, their expertise with scale farming, and their track record in marketing to consumers.
“These funds will allow us to expand production to meet increasing demand while Maple Leaf’s knowledge will help us continue to meet the needs of large food producers as we grow.”
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