Insect research center opens in Canada
Led by equipment manufacturer Bühler and agri-genetic firm NRGene, the new research facility aims to accelerate sustainable ingredient production in pet food and other industries.
Both companies collaborated on the launch of the North American Insect Center (NAIC) in Saskatoon, in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
The new center wants to push insect protein production in the North American region, including for pet food applications. “In turn, it can lead to higher quantities of insect protein being made available to the pet food industry,” a Bühler spokesperson notes.
“In our assessment, the pet food sector in Europe and North America will remain one of the most important off-takers for insect protein in the years to come.”
The NAIC’s facility has been established as a research and demonstration center for customers to assess the performance of their products’ black soldier fly (BSF) varieties. It also supports investors in testing the economic viability of large production plants before investing in them.
Accelerating startups
Bühler Group recently announced a partnership with Mars Petcare, venture capital fund Big Idea Ventures, and Swedish oils and fats producer AAK to launch the Next Generation Pet Food Program.
The program, which will take place in October and November, invites pet industry startups developing sustainable proteins and fats, novel ingredients or pioneering processing technologies, like upcycling food waste, to be involved.
Participants will benefit from workshops and training in nutrition and safety requirements, sustainable pet food processing, consumer insights within the pet food market and palatability guidance and counseling.
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