Two Belgian entrepreneurs have raised $40 million to expand their large-scale insect farming operation in Vietnam. This information comes from De Tijd, based on interviews with the founders. The company focuses on producing fly larvae as feed for aquaculture, specifically for fish and shrimp.
From Landfill to Industrial Scale
The foundation for this insect farming venture in Vietnam was laid thirteen years ago by the two Belgians, who traveled to the country with a one-way ticket. They started small, collecting fly eggs from local landfills. What began as an innovative project has since grown into a large-scale production, where fly larvae are industrially farmed for animal feed.
Global Recognition for Belgian Initiative
The Belgian enterprise has positioned itself as a significant player in the alternative animal feed sector. According to founder Alexandre de Caters, the scale of their factory is noteworthy: “Our factory is the largest of its kind in Asia and one of the largest worldwide,” he states in De Tijd. This position highlights the ambition and success of the Belgians in the international market.
Profitability Boosted by El Niño
An unexpected factor contributing to the profitability of the insect farming is the natural phenomenon El Niño. This has created favorable conditions that strengthen the demand for the farmed fly larvae and make the operation profitable. The Belgians are now making a profit and continue to invest in optimizing their production processes in Vietnam.
