Insect Farming Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Insect (Silkworms, Honeybees, Waxworms, Lac Insects, Cochineal, Crickets, Others), By Product (Whole Insect, Insect Protein, Insect Oil, Others), By Application (Silk, Lac, Honey, Animal Feed, Food Colorant, Insect Protein Bars & Protein Shakes, Insect Baked Products & Snacks, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Insect Farming Market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.54 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 4.28% through 2030. The growth of the global insect farming market is being driven by the rising demand for sustainable protein sources amid mounting concerns over the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming. Insects require significantly less land, water, and feed compared to conventional animal protein sources, making them an attractive alternative. Additionally, their high feed conversion efficiency and rapid reproduction cycles support scalable production models, particularly in the animal feed and pet food industries.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Protein & Food Security

As the global population surges toward 10 billion by 2050, securing an affordable and nutritious protein supply has become imperative. Interestingly, over 2 billion people worldwide already incorporated insects into their diets, highlighting both cultural acceptance and real-world feasibility of insects as a mainstream protein alternative.

From a nutritional standpoint, insects are powerhouses: some species provide up to 80% protein by dry weight, while cricket flour alone delivers around 65% protein content. Beyond protein, they offer complete essential amino acid profiles, plus high levels of iron, zinc, and B‑vitamins putting them on par with, or even ahead of, many conventional protein sources in nutrient density.

Insect farming also significantly reduces resource use. It requires between 8 and 14 times less land and 50 to 90% less water compared to cattle production. And when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, insect protein generates roughly 100 times fewer emissions than beef, making it a potent tool in climate-smart agriculture.

Altogether, these strengths nutritional richness, environmental efficiency, and cultural familiarity position insects as a strategic resource for enhancing food security. By embedding insect protein into global food systems spanning human food, animal feed, and nutritional supplements we can tackle protein scarcity while easing ecological stress.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Insect farming is increasingly recognized as an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional livestock production. It offers a more circular approach to agriculture by utilizing fewer natural resources while producing nutrient-rich protein. Insects can thrive on organic waste streams, turning by-products like food scraps and agricultural residue into high-value biomass. This minimizes waste while reducing dependence on land-intensive crops traditionally grown for animal feed. By integrating insect farming into food systems, producers can adopt more sustainable models that align with global goals for climate resilience and natural resource conservation.

Traditional livestock farming contributes significantly to deforestation, soil degradation, and freshwater depletion. In contrast, insect farms operate with a far smaller environmental footprint. Their vertical rearing systems require minimal space, and their feed inputs are often sourced from existing waste, making the entire cycle more sustainable. Additionally, the farming process generates minimal waste and by-products, with leftover materials like frass serving as organic fertilizers. These characteristics make insect farming particularly well-suited to urban or peri-urban agriculture, where space and resources are limited.

Another major environmental advantage of insect farming lies in its ability to reduce emissions associated with protein production. Unlike conventional livestock, insects do not produce harmful greenhouse gases like methane in significant quantities. Their life cycles are short and highly efficient, allowing for rapid biomass conversion without intensive energy use. This leads to lower carbon outputs and reduced pressure on natural ecosystems. By replacing or supplementing traditional protein sources, insect farming can serve as a viable strategy for reducing agriculture’s overall environmental burden.

The long-term sustainability of insect farming is also enhanced by its adaptability to various climate conditions and scalability across geographies. It presents a solution that can be tailored to meet local environmental and agricultural constraints, especially in regions facing water stress or land scarcity. Furthermore, as global supply chains seek lower-emission alternatives, insect farming aligns well with broader ecological goals. Its integration into existing food systems can contribute to a more resilient and balanced agricultural model, one that supports environmental stewardship while meeting the protein needs of a growing population.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Consumer Acceptance & Perception

One of the most persistent challenges facing the insect farming industry is the widespread psychological aversion, particularly in Western and urban markets, toward consuming insects. Many consumers associate insects with filth, disease, or fear, making them hesitant to accept even well-processed insect-based products. The idea of eating bugs—even in powdered or concealed forms—often triggers a "disgust response," which can be deeply rooted in cultural norms and lack of exposure. Unlike regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America where insects are traditionally consumed, Western markets lack a historical or culinary context for edible insects. This cultural disconnect is exacerbated by limited public awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of insect protein. As a result, the industry must overcome a complex set of perception-related barriers before it can achieve broad-based consumer acceptance.

To combat this challenge, companies and industry stakeholders must invest in robust consumer education campaigns, product transparency, and appealing product formats. Instead of selling whole insects, brands are increasingly turning to more palatable forms like protein powders, energy bars, and snacks that disguise the insect origin. Celebrity endorsements, scientific backing, and eco-friendly branding are also being used to reframe insect protein as a premium, sustainable alternative. However, changing consumer attitudes takes time and consistency, especially when it involves disrupting established food habits. Moreover, regulatory labeling requirements that mandate highlighting insect content can inadvertently reinforce aversion rather than build trust. Therefore, while consumer perception is gradually evolving, it remains a critical bottleneck that must be strategically addressed for insect farming to realize its full potential in global food systems.

Key Market Trends

Product Diversification & Circular Economy

The insect farming market is rapidly evolving beyond its initial focus on animal feed to embrace a broad spectrum of high-value products, a trend known as product diversification. While black soldier fly larvae and crickets remain central to the feed industry, producers are increasingly venturing into human nutrition, pet food, organic fertilizers (like frass), cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals. Insect protein is now being incorporated into protein bars, baked goods, meat substitutes, and dietary supplements. At the same time, companies are exploring insect-derived oils and chitin for use in cosmetics, medical materials, and bioplastics. This strategic diversification allows insect farmers to tap into multiple industries, mitigating risk and enhancing profitability. As awareness grows around the health and sustainability benefits of insect-based products, producers are innovating new formulations and delivery formats to attract environmentally conscious consumers across diverse markets.

In parallel, the circular economy model is gaining strong momentum within the insect farming industry. Insects are uniquely capable of converting organic waste—such as food scraps, brewery by-products, and agricultural residues—into high-protein biomass and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This approach helps close the loop between food production, waste management, and soil health, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. For instance, insect frass is increasingly used as an organic fertilizer that enriches soil without synthetic inputs. Many insect farms are now co-located with food processors or breweries to source consistent waste streams, reinforcing a zero-waste production cycle. This synergy between sustainability and profitability is positioning insect farming as a model for regenerative agriculture, attracting investments from both agri-tech innovators and circular economy advocates.

Segmental Insights

Insect Insights

Based on insect type, crickets emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Insect Farming Market in 2024. This is due to their high protein content, digestibility, and balanced amino acid profile, making them ideal for human consumption and animal feed. Crickets are culturally accepted in many regions and can be processed into flour, protein bars, snacks, and pet food, enhancing product versatility. Additionally, they require minimal land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock, supporting sustainable farming practices. Their short life cycle and ease of farming further contribute to large-scale commercial viability, driving their dominance in the market.

Product Insights

Based on product, insect protein emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Insect Farming Market in 2024. This is due to its rising demand across various applications, including animal feed, aquaculture, pet food, and human nutrition. Insect protein is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional protein sources like soy and fishmeal. Its adaptability in different forms—powder, meal, or isolate—allows manufacturers to incorporate it into diverse product formulations. Growing environmental concerns and the push for alternative proteins have further fueled the adoption of insect protein globally.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific emerged as the dominant region in the Global Insect Farming Market in 2024. This is driven by traditional acceptance of insect consumption in countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where insects have long been part of local diets. The region also benefits from favorable climatic conditions for insect farming, low labor costs, and abundant agricultural by-products used as insect feed. Additionally, government initiatives supporting sustainable agriculture and food security are encouraging investments in insect farming. Rapid urbanization, rising protein demand, and growing awareness of eco-friendly protein alternatives further reinforce the region's leading position.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Insectika Biotech, in partnership with ICAR–CIBA, has launched insect-based barramundi feed in India, marking a significant step towards sustainable aquaculture. The feed, derived from black soldier fly larvae, is designed to enhance fish growth and health while reducing dependency on conventional fishmeal. This innovation supports eco-friendly practices and promotes circular economy models in India's growing aquaculture sector.
• In July 2024, Singapore officially approved 16 insect species including crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, beetle grubs, moths, locusts, and honeybees for human consumption and animal feed. The move includes strict guidelines on farming and processing to ensure safety, with some local restaurants already featuring insect‑based dishes on their menus.
• In March 2025, Pangaea Biosciences announced that its crop protection adjuvant, Booster™, has been officially registered in Indonesia and is set for launch in Q2 2025. The product targets resistant pests in key crops—such as rice, shallots, and vegetables by deactivating the cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway, effectively restoring older pesticide chemistries. Field trials in Indonesia demonstrated excellent control over resistant pests like rice stem borer, brown planthopper, whitefly, and fall armyworm. The launch marks Booster’s first commercial roll-out beyond Europe, aimed at enhancing food security through improved pest management.
• In February 2024, Innovafeed unveiled Hilucia™, a new brand offering a comprehensive line of insect-based ingredients made from black soldier fly larvae. Designed for pets, livestock, aquaculture, and plants, Hilucia emphasizes sustainability and circularity by upcycling low-value feed into high-quality protein and oil. The brand supports eco-friendly nutrition solutions, with products already integrated by major partners like Cargill, ADM, Jiminy’s, and Arch.

Key Market Players

• Viscon Group
• Bühler Insect Technology Solutions
• Protenga Pte. Ltd.
• nextProtein SAS
• NextAlim SAS
• AgriProtein Holdings UK Ltd
• Ÿnsect SAS
• Thai Union Group
• Deli Bugs Ltd.
• EntoCube Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, global insect farming market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Insect Farming Market, By Insect:
• Silkworms
• Honeybees
• Waxworms
• Lac Insects
• Cochineal
• Crickets
• Others
• Insect Farming Market, By Product:
• Whole Insect
• Insect Protein
• Insect Oil
• Others
• Insect Farming Market, By Application:
• Silk
• Lac
• Honey
• Animal Feed
• Food Colorant
• Insect Protein Bars & Protein Shakes
• Insect Baked Products & Snacks
• Others
• Insect Farming Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Europe 
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  South Africa

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in global insect farming market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global insect farming market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]