Jolijn Zwart-van Kessel
Innovation Lead
Circular Agrifood
Insects for Food
Insects as upcyclers in a Circular Agri-Food System
Insects as upcyclers in a Circular Agri-Food System
Relevant for: Dutch farmers, retailers, food process industry
Feeding a global population of 10 billion people by 2050 with tasty, affordable, healthy, and sustainable food requires a fundamental shift toward circular production and consumption systems. Insects represent a vital link in this transformation. As efficient upcyclers of organic waste streams, insects offer a high-quality, sustainable source of protein. Especially those that are otherwise difficult to valorize.
Despite their potential, one of the main challenges the insect sector in Europe faces is market development: finding suitable, high-value markets that match the cost price of production. In particular, products developed for human consumption offer promising opportunities to overcome this barrier.
Initiative to drive transition
Foodvalley explored this opportunity in close collaboration with a range of supply chain partners. We launched an initiative (Nov 2022 – Dec 2024) to drive the transition towards increased insect consumption by focusing on three strategic action lines:
- Mapping Global Innovation
In collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, we conducted an international market study to better understand the global landscape for insect-based food innovation.
- Creating a Trustworthy Narrative
Working closely with market players and the Network for Insect Knowledge (NIK), we brought together insights from both scientific and business perspectives to lay the foundation a compelling and evidence-based narrative that highlights the benefits of insects for human food. This included desk research, expert interviews, and communication strategies tailored to different stakeholder groups. This narrative is now being translated into a national campaign strategy led by the NIK.
- Strengthening Sector Capacity
Building on a strong but somewhat fragmented network, we supported the Dutch insect sector in evolving into a more aligned and focused ecosystem—with clearer roles, reduced overlap, and stronger collaboration. The Dutch sector organization VENIK is now in the lead for this.
Next step: Create a unified message
There are multiple compelling reasons why insects should play a central role in future food systems, for both human and animal nutrition. The foundational narrative created in 2022 and 2023, based on extensive literature review and expert consultation, outlines how insects contribute to sustainability, circularity, nutrition, and food security. In 2025, this concept will be refined into a unified message, to be communicated to consumers and the broader public by the stakeholders who have been involved since the start of the initiative.
Over the past years, Foodvalley has contributed to accelerating the role of insects in the a circular agrifood system, by connecting innovation, storytelling, and sector development. While we will continue to support the network and share knowledge and insights wherever possible, we believe this is the right moment to hand over the lead to the sector organisations. With a strong structure now in place, they are well positioned to guide the further development of the market.
Caroline Duivenvoorden
Programme Manager
Circular Agrifood