Entobel, renowned for producing functional insect protein for animal and plant nutrition, has unveiled the largest black soldier fly (BSF) production plant in Asia.
“Today marks a major milestone in our journey to transform the insect protein landscape and supply sustainable feed ingredients to the rapidly growing aquaculture and pet food industries,” expressed Alexandre de Caters and Gaëtan Crielaard, co-founders, and co-CEOs of Entobel.
In a remarkable feat, Entobel’s cutting-edge facility, completed within a record-breaking 12 months, stands out as the world’s most capital expenditure-efficient BSF production site. Boasting 50 levels of vertical rearing, automated robotics, advanced sensors, and data analytics for heightened productivity, the Vung Tau facility, backed by a US$33 million Series B round in 2022 from Mekong Capital, Dragon Capital, and The International Finance Corp. (IFC), is poised to yield 10,000 metric tons of insect protein annually. Beyond its production capacity, the plant holds significance as an economic anchor, generating 150 jobs in manufacturing and operations.
Sandy Singh Sandhu, Chief Financial Officer of Entobel, acknowledged, “The Entobel team has demonstrated capital allocation efficiency and execution excellence through the successful construction of two industrial-scale facilities in the last four years. Successful commissioning of the Vung Tau plant, one of the largest globally as measured by insect protein production capacity, has derisked the operational and technological aspects of the business model, enabling the plant to serve as a blueprint for Entobel’s rapid regional expansion.”
Entobel’s product portfolio encompasses insect protein and insect oil, primarily catered to the aquaculture and livestock sectors. Additionally, the company produces insect frass, an eco-friendly foundation for fertilizer, diminishing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Vietnam, strategically chosen for its tropical climate, prominence in aquaculture, and access to high-quality feedstock, aligns perfectly with Entobel’s vision. A strategic collaboration with Heineken Vietnam and other feedstock suppliers establishes a circular ecosystem, upcycling byproducts into proteins, oils, and organic fertilizer.
Entobel eyes continued growth in Vietnam and plans to establish new facilities in Indonesia and Malaysia as part of its regional expansion. The company anticipates initiating its Series C funding round in the first half of 2024 to fuel these ambitious growth endeavors.
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