About Us
Insectivore is an urban edible insect farm based in Canterbury, New Zealand.
At Insectivore we’re all about providing our customers with a superior protein product that is a smart choice for you and for the environment!
Our bug-based proteins contain all of the essential amino acids for human development and are an excellent source of protein, making them more nutritionally rich than the same quantity of beef, lamb or chicken.
Insectivore protein production is environmentally friendly as it uses less land, water and results in less waste compared with farming of other protein sources, so you can eat with a clear conscience.
Why Farm Invertebrates?
It is estimated that by 2050 there will be 9 billion people on the planet and we are fast running out of sustainable means of feeding this increasing global population.
Insectivore was established to provide a solution to reduce the effects of this Global food crisis.
Insects and invertebrates have long been know as a rich source of protein and are widely consumed by many nations. This practice, called entomophagy (the practice of eating insects), is starting to surface in Western society as people become more conscious of how their dietary choices affect the wider environment.
Insect farming requires less water and land area compared with more traditional forms of protein farming such as beef, poultry or lamb. Insects are also better at converting food into protein and generally have a lower environmental impact due to the fact that all parts of an invertebrate can be converted into product or are compostable. Invertebrate products are versatile and easy to incorporate or substitute into every days meals.
Our Journey
Ever since I was little I wanted to work with animals. Farming invertebrates for human consumption was not exactly what I had in mind but since establishing Insectivore back in 2018 I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out.
My background in Biology (having gained a BSc in Biology and an MSc with First Class Honours in Zoology through the University of Canterbury) has given me the knowledge and skills to turn this passion for animals into a business that has a positive social and environmental impact, something I am truly proud of.
The idea for Insectivore came about through raising mealworms to feed to my pet Blue-tongued Skink. After becoming fascinated with these intriguing little creatures, and realising what a wonderful source of protein they are, I started to explore the possibility of raising them (and other bugs) for humans to eat.
Having very limited business knowledge, developing the idea for Insectivore into a functioning business has definitely been a wild process of trial and error. The most fantastic part of this process is that I have met some truly fascinating and inspiring people. These partnerships with passionate experts is what makes Insectivore unique and I am forever grateful for their input and advice.
So really, who are we?
Insectivore is me, it’s a business, but it’s also a community of passionate people making conscious food choices that have positive impacts on a world in need of change… and we’d love you to join us!
Cheers,
