Are Crickets commercially viable to utilise as an alternative protein within Australia

In 2013 the World Health Organisation released the publication “Edible Insects, Future prospects for Food and Feed”. The 200-page document was a catalyst for anyone interested in alternative proteins and sustainable food opportunities.

Eastern and Indigenous Cultures have farmed insects for consumption (and medicine) for thousands of years. However, Western society has only recently developed an interest in insects as a potential source of nutrition. This has resulted in substantial growth in research and insect production facilities around the world. These facilities have been developed with the intention of utilising insects for human food and animal feed.

Australia has many opportunities to take advantage of the global insect industry through production, products, research, and technology. The question is, “Is it commercially viable to produce insects for human food in Australia?”

Well, it depends.

Production systems for common commercially farmed species like black soldier fly larvae and mealworms are attracting investment and showing signs of commercial viability, particularly as a substitute for soy and fish meal in pet and livestock feed. Their ability to be part of the circular economy, utilising waste products and turning them into high protein, high fat, feed formulations also enhance their business function.

This report serves to discuss the many aspects of cricket protein, from production through to marketing, regulation, and future opportunities.

A common theme from many businesses interviewed was that cricket production systems need to increase automation and technology, reduce costs, increase supply and consistency, and develop consistent markets to ensure success.

When shopping, consumers are bombarded with product information - nutrition profile, sustainability credentials, provenance, ‘value’, ingredients and more. It is into this landscape that cricket protein is trying to get noticed and gain credibility. It’s a challenge.

Through interviews and site visits it is clear cricket production facilities need to be systematic, clinical, and controlled, with the ability to scale whilst growing markets.

Furthermore, within the cricket protein space, markets are constantly changing from a range of factors including food trends, COVID-19, import and export costs, and regulations.

Whilst there are opportunities for cricket protein as a sustainable source of nutrition, the industry needs to work closely with government and key stakeholders to not only identify markets, but also develop and build markets for crickets as an alternative protein source to become economically viable.