Tebrio breaks ground on world’s largest insect farm to advance sustainable aquafeeds

SPAIN – Tebrio, a pioneering biotechnology company, has commenced construction on what will be the world’s largest insect farm, designed to produce 100,000 tonnes annually. 

The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Salamanca, Spain, where the facility is set to occupy an impressive 90,000 square meters upon completion in 2028.  

At the helm of this ambitious project are Tebrio’s founders, CEO Adriana Casillas and CTO Sabas de Diego, who have built the company from humble beginnings into a leader in insect biotechnology. 

Founded in 2014 with an initial investment in two sacks of mealworms, Tebrio now aims to revolutionise the agri-food industry by providing sustainable, innovative solutions.  

The new farm, which comes with a €110 (approximately US$13) million price tag, will be completed in six phases. Its first phase is slated for completion in late 2025. 

Once operational, the facility will prioritise sustainability, utilising solar panels to achieve 100% renewable energy self-sufficiency and implementing a zero-waste model focusing on attaining a negative carbon footprint.  

According to Casillas, approximately 60% of the farm’s mealworm production will be channelled into aquafeeds, addressing the rising demand for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture. 

The facility will also produce organic biofertilisers, high-quality lipids, and chitosan, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics.  

“The construction of our new plant represents a milestone not only for Tebrio but for the entire biotechnology sector,” Casillas said at the ceremony. “This project reflects our vision to lead a shift towards a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly industry.”  

The project is expected to create 150 direct jobs and 1,350 indirect jobs, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Salamanca’s position as a hub for innovation. 

The event drew notable figures, including Spain’s Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz, Castilla y León’s Agriculture Minister María González Corral, and Salamanca’s mayor, Carlos García-Carbayo. Football legend Vicente del Bosque, the project’s honorary sponsor, also attended.  

This investment comes when the insect farming market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming. 

As a result, the global insect protein market size is estimated, according to Mordor Intelligence, at US$3.80 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$9.04 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.89% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.