The Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market is expected to reach $282.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 22.4% from 2023 to 2030. The growth of this market is attributed to several factors, including the high nutritional value of insects, the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock and poultry industries, the environmental benefits associated with consuming edible insects, the increasing utilization of insects in animal feeds by feed processors and farmers, and the low risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases through the consumption of edible insects. Moreover, the rising consumer demand for more sustainable food and feed products, along with government support for insect farming, offers significant growth opportunities for market players.
However, the absence of a standardized regulatory framework, psychological and ethical barriers to consuming insects as food, and the potential risk of allergies associated with insect consumption restrain the market’s growth. Additionally, the lack of awareness regarding the benefits of insect consumption remains a major challenge for the growth of this market.
Key Players
The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key growth strategies adopted by leading market players in the past four years. The key players profiled in the Middle East & Africa edible insects market study are Ÿnsect (SAS) (France), Enterra Feed Corporation (Canada), InnovaFeed (France), EnviroFlight, LLC (U.S.), Nutrition Technologies Group (Singapore), Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Entomo Farms (Canada), Hargol FoodTech (Israel), All Things Bugs LLC (U.S.), Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd (Thailand), JR Unique Foods (Thailand), Cricket Lab Limited (U.K.), BioflyTech (Spain), InsectiPro Ltd. (Kenya), Mana Biosystems Ltd (Kenya), Marula Proteen Ltd (Uganda), ProtiCycle (South Africa), Inseco (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), Maltento (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), and Nambu Group (South Africa).
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High Nutritional Value of Insects Boost the Demand for Edible Insects in the Middle East & Africa
Insects constitute the largest group of animals on Earth, accounting for 80% of all animal species. The nutritional content of edible insects can vary significantly. It can even vary within the same species, depending on factors like the insect's life stage, habitat, and diet. Nevertheless, edible insects are a rich source of nutrients, and the human body can absorb these nutrients more efficiently compared to beef or wheat. Many countries in the African region face challenges related to hunger and malnutrition. In numerous instances, insufficient fat intake is a contributing factor due to the limited availability. For instance, in 2022, malnutrition affected approximately 26–38% of children under the age of five in Africa (Source: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund [UNICEF]).
Various edible insect species are abundant in beneficial fats that the body can easily convert into energy. Additionally, insects serve as a rich protein and vitamin source, offering high levels of calcium, iron, and zinc. In regions grappling with malnutrition, edible insects can prove to be a valuable dietary resource.
Some individuals experience allergies or intolerances to common protein sources such as soy, milk, or eggs. For example, milk sugar can lead to allergic reactions like bloating and diarrhea, making insects an excellent alternative since they provide amino acids and protein. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating insect protein into various food products due to the high nutritional value of these insects.
Furthermore, rapid population growth has exacerbated the problem of food security. Moreover, changing socio-demographics have exerted increased pressure on the world’s resources. The increased demand for animal-based protein, in particular, is expected to have adverse impacts on the environment. Edible insects can be an ideal solution to these challenges due to their high nutrient content.
Key Findings in the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Study:
The Insect Powder Segment is Projected to Witness Significant Growth in the Market During 2023–2030
Based on the product, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into whole insects, insect powder, insect meal, and insect oil. In 2023, the whole insects segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. However, the insect powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing utilization of insect protein powder across health clubs and fitness centers, the incorporation of powdered insects into various food and beverages, and the rising demand for environmentally friendly alternative protein sources.
In 2023, the Crickets Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Based on insect type, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies, buffalo worms, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms, cicadas, and other edible insects. In 2023, the crickets segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing utilization of crickets in various food recipes and products, supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting cricket farming, increasing launches of new cricket-based products by manufacturers, and the rising consumer demand for such products.
In 2023, the Food & Beverages Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Based on application, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into food & beverages and feed. In 2023, the food & beverages segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to several factors, including the widespread acceptance of whole insects as food, increasing demand for high-quality alternative protein and amino acid sources among end users, a growing food shortage in the region, rising demand for nutrition-rich food, and the increasing use of insect powder by the food & beverage sector.
In 2023, the Human Consumption Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Based on end use, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into human consumption and animal nutrition. In 2023, the human consumption segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for environmentally friendly sources of protein, the rising need for insect-based foods to sustain the ever-growing population, and the high nutritional value of insects. The human consumption segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
South Africa to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market in 2023
The Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Egypt, Uganda, and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa. In 2023, South Africa is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. South Africa’s significant market share can be attributed to several factors, such as the widespread acceptance of edible insects as a source of food and feed, the increasing demand for edible insects driven by food shortages, the abundant availability of various types of edible insects, and the continued efforts of manufacturers to develop edible insect products.
Scope of the Report:
Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Product
Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Insect Type
Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Application
Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by End Use
Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Country/Region
Key questions answered in the report:
The Middle East & Africa edible insects market is projected to reach $282.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 22.4% during the forecast period.
In 2023, the whole insects segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market.
In 2023, the food & beverage segment is expected to account for the major share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market.
The growth of this market is attributed to several factors, including the high nutritional value of insects, the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock and poultry industries, the environmental benefits associated with consuming edible insects, the increasing utilization of insects in animal feeds by feed processors and farmers, and the low risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases through the consumption of edible insects. Moreover, the rising consumer demand for more sustainable food and feed products, along with government support for insect farming, offers significant growth opportunities for market players.
Kenya is projected to offer significant growth opportunities for vendors in this market.
The key players profiled in the Middle East & Africa edible insects market study are Ÿnsect (SAS) (France), Enterra Feed Corporation (Canada), InnovaFeed (France), EnviroFlight, LLC (U.S.), Nutrition Technologies Group (Singapore), Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Entomo Farms (Canada), Hargol FoodTech (Israel), All Things Bugs LLC (U.S.), Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd (Thailand), JR Unique Foods (Thailand), Cricket Lab Limited (U.K.), BioflyTech (Spain), InsectiPro Ltd. (Kenya), Mana Biosystems Ltd (Kenya), Marula Proteen Ltd (Uganda), ProtiCycle (South Africa), Inseco (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), Maltento (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), and Nambu Group (South Africa).
This report provides pre & post COVID-19 market estimates.
1. Market Definition & Scope
1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Market Ecosystem
1.3. Currency
1.4. Key Stakeholders
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Process of Data Collection and Validation
2.2.1. Secondary Research
2.2.2. Primary Research/Interviews with Key Opinion Leaders of the Industry
2.3. Market Sizing and Forecast
2.3.1. Market Size Estimation Approach
2.3.2. Growth Forecast Approach
2.4. Assumptions for the Study
3. Executive Summary
3.1. Overview
3.2. Segment Analysis
3.2.1. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Product
3.2.2. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Insect Type
3.2.3. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Application
3.3.5. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by End Use
3.3.4. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region
3.4. Competitive Landscape & Market Competitors
4. Market Insights
4.1. Overview
4.2. Drivers
4.2.1. High Nutritional Value of Insects
4.2.2. Increasing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Livestock and Poultry Industries
4.2.3. Environmental Benefits Associated with Edible Insects Consumption
4.2.4. Increasing Utilization of Insects in Animal Feeds by Feed Processors and Farmers
4.2.5. Low Risk of Transmitting Zoonotic Diseases Through the Consumption of Edible Insects
4.3. Restraints
4.3.1. Absence of a Standardized Regulatory Framework
4.3.2. Psychological and Ethical Barriers to Consuming Insects as Food
4.3.3. Potential Risk of Allergies Associated with Insect Consumption
4.4. Opportunities
4.4.1. Rising Consumer Demand for More Sustainable Food and Feed Products
4.4.2. Supportive Government Initiatives Aimed at Promoting Insect Farming
4.5. Challenges
4.5.1. Lack of Awareness Regarding the Benefits of Insect Consumption
4.6. Pricing Analysis
4.6.1. Overview
4.6.2. Whole Insects
4.6.3. Insect Powder
4.6.4. Insect Meal
4.6.5. Insect Oil
5. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment—by Product
5.1. Overview
5.2. Whole Insects
5.3. Insect Powder
5.4. Insect Meal
5.5. Insect Oil
6. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment—by Insect Type
6.1. Overview
6.2. Crickets
6.3. Black Soldier Flies
6.4. Mealworms
6.5. Buffalo Worms
6.6. Grasshoppers
6.7. Ants
6.8. Silkworms
6.9. Cicada
6.10. Other Edible Insects
7. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment—by Application
7.1. Overview
7.2. Food & Beverages
7.2.1. Processed Whole Insects
7.2.2. Processed Insect Powder
7.2.3. Protein Bars & Protein Shakes
7.2.4. Baked Products & Snacks
7.2.5. Insect Confectioneries
7.2.6. Insect Beverages
7.2.7. Other Food & Beverage Applications
7.3. Feed
7.3.1. Animal Feed
7.3.2. Aquaculture Feed
7.3.3. Pet Food
8. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment—by End Use
8.1. Overview
8.2. Human Consumption
8.3. Animal Nutrition
9. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment—by Country/Region
9.1. Overview
9.2. South Africa
9.3. Saudi Arabia
9.4. Kenya
9.5. Egypt
9.6. Uganda
9.7. Rest of Middle East & Africa
10. Competition Analysis
10.1. Overview
10.2. Key Growth Strategies
10.3. Competitive Benchmarking
10.3.1. Industry Leaders
10.3.2. Market Differentiators
10.3.3. Vanguards
10.3.4. Emerging Companies
10.4. Vendor Market Positioning
11. Company Profile
11.1. Ÿnsect (SAS)
11.2. Enterra Feed Corporation
11.3. InnovaFeed
11.4. EnviroFlight, LLC
11.5. Nutrition Technologies Group
11.6. Protix B.V.
11.7. Entomo Farms
11.8. Hargol FoodTech
11.9. All Things Bugs LLC
11.10. Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd
11.11. JR Unique Foods
11.12. Cricket Lab Limited
11.13. BioflyTech
11.14. InsectiPro Ltd.
11.15. Mana Biosystems Ltd
11.16. Marula Proteen Ltd
11.17. ProtiCycle
11.18. Inseco (Pty) Ltd.
11.19. Maltento (Pty) Ltd.
11.20. Nambu Group
12. Appendix
12.1. Available Customization
12.2. Related Reports
List of Tables
Table 1 Average Selling Prices of Whole Insect, by Country, 2021–2030 (USD/KG)
Table 2 Average Selling Prices of Insect Powder, by Country, 2021–2030 (USD/KG)
Table 3 Average Selling Prices of Insect Meal, by Country, 2021–2030 (USD/KG)
Table 4 Average Selling Prices of Insect oil, by Country, 2021–2030 (USD/KG)
Table 5 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 6 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 7 Middle East & Africa Edible Whole Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 8 Middle East & Africa Edible Whole Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (Tons)
Table 9 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Powder Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 10 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Powder Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (Tons)
Table 11 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Meal Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 12 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Meal Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (Tons)
Table 13 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Oil Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 14 Middle East & Africa Edible Insect Oil Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (Tons)
Table 15 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 16 Middle East & Africa Crickets Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 17 Middle East & Africa Black Soldier Flies Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 18 Middle East & Africa Mealworms Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 19 Middle East & Africa Buffalo Worms Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 20 Middle East & Africa Grasshoppers Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 21 Middle East & Africa Ants Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 22 Middle East & Africa Silkworms Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 23 Middle East & Africa Cicadas Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 24 Middle East & Africa Other Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 25 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 26 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 27 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 28 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Processed Whole Insects, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 29 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Processed Insect Powder, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 30 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Protein Bars & Protein Shakes, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 31 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Baked Products & Snacks, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 32 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Insect Confectioneries, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 33 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Insect Beverages, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 34 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Other Food & Beverage Applications, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 35 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 36 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 37 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Animal Feed, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 38 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Aquaculture Feed, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 39 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Pet Food, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 40 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 41 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Human Consumption, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 42 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size for Animal Nutrition, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 43 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 44 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2021–2030 (Tons)
Table 45 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 46 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 47 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 48 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 49 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 50 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 51 South Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 52 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 53 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 54 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 55 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 56 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 57 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 58 Saudi Arabia: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 59 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 60 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 61 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 62 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 63 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 64 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 65 Kenya: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 66 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 67 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 68 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 69 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 70 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 71 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 72 Egypt: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 73 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 74 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 75 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 76 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 77 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 78 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 79 Uganda: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 80 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 81 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Product, 2021–2030 (USD Tons)
Table 82 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Insect Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 83 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by Application, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 84 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size for Food & Beverage, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 85 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size for Feed, by Product Type, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
Table 86 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Size, by End Use, 2021–2030 (USD Million)
List of Figures
Figure 1 Market Ecosystem
Figure 2 Research Process
Figure 3 Key Secondary Sources
Figure 4 Primary Research Techniques
Figure 5 Key Executives Interviewed
Figure 6 Breakdown of Primary Interviews (Supply-Side & Demand-Side)
Figure 7 Market Size Estimation
Figure 8 Crickets Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Figure 9 Whole Insect Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Figure 10 In 2023, The Food & Beverage Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Figure 11 In 2023, The Human Consumption Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Figure 12 South Africa Dominates the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, While Kenya Leads in Growth
Figure 13 Factors Affecting Market Growth
Figure 14 Resources Required: Livestock Farming Vs. Insect Farming
Figure 15 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Product, 2023 Vs. 2030 (USD Million)
Figure 16 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Product, 2023 Vs. 2030 (Tons)
Figure 17 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Insect Type, 2023 Vs. 2030 (USD Million)
Figure 18 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Application, 2023 Vs. 2030 (USD Million)
Figure 19 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by End Use, 2023 Vs. 2030 (USD Million)
Figure 20 Middle East & Africa: Edible Insects Market Snapshot (2023)
Figure 21 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2023 Vs. 2030 (USD Million)
Figure 22 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market, by Country/Region, 2023 Vs. 2030 (Tons)
Figure 23 Key Growth Strategies Adopted by Leading Players, 2020–2023
Figure 24 Competitive Dashboard: Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market
Figure 25 Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market: Competitive Benchmarking, by Product Type
This report provides pre & post COVID-19 market estimates.
This report provides pre & post COVID-19 market estimates.
Published Date: Apr-2024
Published Date: Jul-2023
Published Date: Jul-2023
Published Date: Nov-2023
