Entobel, a company specialized in insect-based feed, established its production activities in Vietnam in 2013. After more than five years of research and development, Entobel announced that has raised €1 million in funding. Strategic local investors as well as Western European investors took part in this round of funding which will allow Entobel to build its first commercial-scale insect protein factory in Vietnam and prepare for global expansion.
Entobel produces H-Meal, a 60% protein ingredient made from insect larvae Hermetia illucens. H-Meal is not only a protein source but also an ingredient with palatability and immunostimulant properties. It has been tested by international feed companies and proven to be an alternative to fishmeal. Trials have been performed in shrimps and several fish species as snakehead and tilapia.
Entobel made the strategic choice to operate in Vietnam because it is a country that offers great opportunities for this emerging insect industry. The favorable tropical climate as well as the competitive and qualified workforce allows Entobel to reduce capital and operational expenses. Moreover, being located in Southeast Asia, a major hub for aquaculture production, offers efficiencies with transportation. The Vietnamese aquaculture industry currently relies heavily on fishmeal imported from countries like Peru and Chile. More than 400,000 tons of imported fishmeal could gradually be replaced by a more sustainable protein like H-Meal.
Entobel is currently completing the setup of its commercial factory in Vietnam with an expected capacity of 1,000 tons of H-Meal per year. The semi-automated factory will be ISO22000 and GMP certified. The first commercial batches will be available by mid-2019 and full capacity will be reached by the end of the year. Entobel products can be exported outside Vietnam to fulfil certain premium demands. Entobel complies with EU standards regarding insect feedstock, sourcing only traceable plant-based by-products. More than one hundred raw materials were tested at Entobel’s pilot site in order to determine the most efficient and cost-effective insect diet.
