Business Model and Approach

nextProtein's core business revolves around insect farming and bioconversion. The black soldier fly larvae are reared on organic substrates, and through their natural feeding and growth process, they transform low-value organic material into protein-rich biomass. This process is central to the circular economy principle that underpins the company's operations, turning agricultural and food-industry byproducts into valuable resources.

The company operates farming and processing facilities and has invested in research and development to optimize the rearing, breeding, and processing of insects at industrial scale. Its operations span both France, where much of its corporate and research activity is based, and Tunisia, where large-scale production facilities have been developed to take advantage of favorable climate conditions suited to insect rearing.

nextProtein emphasizes several key value propositions:

• Sustainability and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional protein production.
• Efficient conversion of organic byproducts into high-quality nutrients.
• A closed-loop, circular-economy production model.
• Contribution to food security through alternative protein supply chains.

Products

nextProtein develops a range of insect-derived ingredients aimed primarily at the animal nutrition market. Its product portfolio typically includes the following categories:

Insect Protein Meal

A high-protein powder produced from black soldier fly larvae, intended for use as an ingredient in animal feed formulations. This protein meal serves as an alternative to fishmeal and soy-based proteins, offering a nutritionally rich profile suitable for aquaculture species, poultry, and pets. The protein meal is valued for its amino acid content and digestibility.

Insect Oil

A lipid product extracted during the processing of the larvae. Insect oil is rich in fatty acids, including lauric acid, and is used as an energy source in animal feed as well as a functional ingredient. It can serve as a substitute for other animal or vegetable oils in feed applications.

Frass (Insect Fertilizer)

The residual material left after the larvae have processed organic substrate, known as frass, is used as a natural organic fertilizer and soil amendment. This byproduct supports the agricultural cycle by returning nutrients to the soil, reinforcing the company's circular-economy philosophy.

Applications and Markets

nextProtein targets several key end markets with its ingredients:

• Aquaculture: Insect protein serves as a sustainable feed component for farmed fish and shrimp, reducing reliance on wild-caught fish used to produce fishmeal.
• Pet Food: Insect-based ingredients are increasingly used in pet food products, appealing to consumers seeking sustainable and hypoallergenic options for dogs and cats.
• Poultry and Livestock Feed: Insect protein and oil can be incorporated into feed for poultry and other animals.
• Agriculture: Frass fertilizer supports crop production and soil health.

Sustainability and Circular Economy

Sustainability lies at the heart of nextProtein's mission. Insect farming requires substantially less land and water than conventional livestock or crop production, and it generates lower greenhouse gas emissions. By using organic byproducts as feedstock for the larvae, the company diverts waste from disposal and converts it into useful products. This approach aligns with broader industry and regulatory movements toward reducing the environmental footprint of food and feed production, and it addresses concerns about overfishing and the sustainability of soy cultivation.

The company frequently frames its work in terms of contributing to global challenges such as feeding a growing population, reducing food waste, and lowering the carbon intensity of protein supply chains.

Research and Development

nextProtein invests in research to improve the efficiency and scalability of its operations. Areas of focus include optimizing insect genetics and breeding, refining rearing conditions, improving substrate utilization, and enhancing the quality and consistency of the final products. This scientific and technological foundation is essential in the insect protein industry, where achieving industrial-scale production with consistent quality remains a significant challenge.

Company Position in the Industry

nextProtein is among the pioneering companies in the European and North African insect protein industry, a sector that has attracted growing interest and investment as demand for sustainable protein alternatives rises. The company has raised funding to support its growth and expansion of production capacity. It operates in a competitive landscape that includes other insect protein producers across Europe, but distinguishes itself through its French-Tunisian operational structure and its emphasis on circular-economy principles.

Conclusion

nextProtein represents a notable example of agritech innovation focused on sustainable protein production. By harnessing the natural bioconversion capabilities of the black soldier fly, the company transforms organic byproducts into valuable protein meal, oil, and fertilizer products. Serving markets such as aquaculture, pet food, and agriculture, nextProtein contributes to more sustainable food and feed systems while advancing the broader adoption of insect-based ingredients as a credible alternative to conventional protein sources.