In this episode,David Tavernor interviews Dr. Yuval Gilad, CEO of FreezeM, a company revolutionizing black soldier fly (BSF) farming technology. They discuss the evolution of BSF technology, the importance of collaboration in the industry, and the challenges of breeding and scaling production. Yuval shares insights on the future of BSF supply chains, the role of genetics in improving performance, and the financial strategies necessary for success in this growing field. The conversation also touches on regulatory challenges and the potential for BSF in global markets. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Soldier Fly Farming02:41 TheEvolution of the BSF Industry05:29 Decentralization in Insect Supply Chains09:33 FreezeM's Innovative Technology17:37 Specialization and Collaboration in the Industry21:14 Cost Dynamics in BSF Production23:58 Genetics and Future of Black Soldier Fly27:56 Genetic Traits and Insect Development32:12 Financing Innovations in Insect Farming35:04 Navigating the Investment Landscape38:03 Promising Markets for Black Soldier Flies44:15 Regulatory Changes for Sustainable Practices48:56 Collaboration and Industry Growth KeywordsBlack Soldier Fly, BSF farming, insect protein, sustainable agriculture, FreezeM, breeding technology, supply chain, genetics, funding, regulation

In this episode of the Black Soldier Fly Leaders podcast, host David Tavernor interviews Tommy Hooft, co-founder of Marula Proteen, a company focused on waste valorisation through the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae. Tommy shares his journey from studying business to establishing a sustainable agricultural model in East Africa, emphasising the importance of composting organic waste, particularly coffee pulp, to create extra special fertiliser that they call "Super-Charged Frass". The conversation explores the nutritional benefits of their frass, the company's growth strategy, funding challenges, and the significance of complementary skills in founding teams. Tommy also reflects on industry insights, lessons learned from both successful and failed ventures, and the potential for carbon neutrality in the coffee industry.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marula Protein and Black Soldier Fly Industry02:45 The Journey of Tommy Hooft and Marula Protein05:42 Innovative Waste Management with Black Soldier Fly08:20 The Circular Economy in Coffee Production10:50 Nutritional Benefits of Frass and Larvae13:49 Growth Strategy and Expansion Plans16:34 Financing and Sustainability Challenges25:09 The Founding Story: Meeting Philip27:23 Complementary Skills in Business30:59 The Role of Science and Entomology36:37 Industry Innovations and Challenges41:18 Lessons from Industry Successes and Failures

In this episode, Luis Ortiz from Infinite Harvest Technologies discusses the journey of his company, which focuses on waste upcycling using Black Soldier Flies. He explains the business model, the need for waste processing in Ontario, and the challenges and opportunities within the insect industry. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration, creative financing strategies, and the regulatory landscape in Canada. Luis emphasizes the need for simplicity in technology and the potential of insects in addressing food waste.
Takeaways

• Infinite Harvest Technologies focuses on waste upcycling using Black Soldier Flies.

• The company started as a spin-off from a medicinal cannabis investment.
• Waste processing is crucial in Ontario due to high landfill emissions.
• Insect businesses can be categorized into input-focused and output-focused.
• Specialization is key for success in the insect industry.
• Collaboration among companies can drive the industry forward.
• Regulations in Canada are strict but vary by market.
• Technology should be a tool, not the core of the business.
• Economic viability depends on managing waste processing costs.
• Insects can play a significant role in food waste management.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Infinite Harvest Technologies02:16 The Business Model of Waste Upcycling04:37 The Need for Waste Processing in Ontario09:19 Understanding Insect Business Models14:37 Challenges and Opportunities in the Insect Industry19:10 Future Growth and Market Expansion21:43 Creative Financing Strategies26:07 Economic Viability of Insect Production29:17 Insects as a Tool for Food Waste Management34:10 Regulatory Landscape in Canada38:35 Technology and Innovation in the Insect Industry43:29 Advice for Future Leaders in the Industry

In this episode of the Black Soldier Fly Leaders podcast, host David Tavernor speaks with Dean Smorenburg, CEO of Maltento, about his journey into the world of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) and the challenges and opportunities in the insect farming industry. Dean shares his unique story of how he transitioned from a traditional finance background to insect farming, driven by a passion for reducing food waste. The conversation delves into the business model of Maltento, the use of brewery waste as feedstock, and the transition to pet food and palatants. Dean discusses the importance of collaboration in the industry and the future of insect protein, emphasizing the need for a localized approach to farming and the potential for growth in the market. Takeaways• Dean's journey into BSF began with a passion for reducing food waste.• Maltento started by selling whole dried lava to the American market.• The business model focuses on maximizing revenue per wet weight lava.• Utilizing brewery waste helps control feedstock costs and greenhouse gas emissions.• Transitioning to pet food has opened new revenue streams for Maltento.• Palatants are a key product that enhances pet food appeal.• The insect protein market is still developing and requires consumer education.• Collaboration among companies can help grow the insect industry.• The future of insect protein lies in its functional benefits, not just as a protein source.• Local market conditions significantly influence the success of insect farming.
Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Black Soldier Flies03:03 Business Model and Waste Management05:53 Innovations in Feedstock and Diet08:48 Expanding into Pet Food and Aquaculture11:48 Challenges in the Insect Protein Market14:50 Functional Benefits of Insect Protein17:47 Market Trends and Consumer Perception25:15 The Role of Immunity in Health26:05 Navigating the Funding Landscape29:47 Balancing Supply and Demand31:41 Sales Strategies in the Pet Food Market33:52 Challenges in Shipping and Competition38:28 Future Plans and Market Expansion44:50 The Future of the Insect Industry
YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsw3EJMmyfAWULh5_ISXRkg⁠

In this episode of the Black Soldier Fly Leaders podcast, host David Tavernor interviews Clayton Payne, who shares his extensive journey in the pet industry and his insights into the black soldier fly market. Clayton discusses the challenges and opportunities within the pet food sector, particularly regarding the integration of insect protein. He highlights the saturation of the market, consumer perceptions, and the pricing dynamics that affect the viability of black soldier fly as a primary ingredient. The conversation also explores alternative markets such as wild bird food and the future of Clayton's business, B.O. Buyer, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative product offerings.
Takeaways

• Clayton grew up in a pet store and started a distribution business at 20.
• He transitioned to working with black soldier flies after exiting his previous business.
• The pet food industry is a key market for black soldier fly protein due to higher margins.
• Consumer resistance to insect protein in pet food is a significant barrier.
• Sustainability is not a primary driver for pet food purchases.
• Black soldier fly protein is currently priced higher than traditional proteins like chicken and venison.
• The market for black soldier fly in pet food is becoming saturated.
• Alternative markets like wild bird food present new opportunities for black soldier fly.
• A back-to-basics approach is essential for profitability in insect production.
• The future of black soldier fly relies on innovative product development and market positioning.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Clayton Payne00:38 Clayton's Professional Journey04:32 The Intersection of Pet Industry and Black Soldier Fly06:38 Market Saturation and Challenges12:32 Price Competitiveness of Black Soldier Fly16:26 Marketing Strategies for Black Soldier Fly21:13 Current Trends and Future Outlook25:04 Niche Opportunities in the Market26:49 Investor Sentiment and Market Challenges29:25 Black Soldier Fly Production Insights35:59 Navigating the Wild Bird Feed Market44:57 Future Prospects for B.O. Buyer
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsw3EJMmyfAWULh5_ISXRkg

In this episode of the Black Soldier Fly Leaders podcast, host David Tavernor interviews Andrew Wallace, co-founder of Chanzi, a pioneering company in the insect protein industry. Andrew shares his journey from various business roles in East Africa to discovering the potential of insect protein for animal feed. He discusses the unique model of Chanzi, which focuses on using waste for insect farming, the challenges of financing and scaling the business, and the importance of sustainability in waste management. The conversation also touches on the profitability of insect protein and the future of the industry, with Andrew offering valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the field.

Takeaways
Andrew Wallace's journey to insect protein began with his experience in various business roles in East Africa.

• Chanzi's model focuses on using waste as a primary input for insect farming.
• The company has achieved break-even status, making it a unique player in the insect protein industry.
• Sustainability and waste management are key components of Chanzi's business model.
• Andrew emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a nascent industry like insect protein.
• The partnership with AB InBev highlights the strategic approach to waste management and resource utilization.
• Chanzi's production costs are significantly lower than competitors, allowing for competitive pricing.
• The company aims to expand its operations across East Africa, leveraging its unique model.
• Andrew believes that the insect protein industry will continue to grow and evolve over the next few years.
• The conversation underscores the importance of understanding unit economics in the insect protein business.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chanzi and Andrew Wallace06:54 Andrew's Journey to Insect Protein13:52 The Partnership with Sune and Business Model20:49 Scaling and Financing the Business24:41 Waste Management and Sustainability Solutions28:41 Integrating Waste Management Solutions30:21 The Waste Problem in Africa30:43 Anaerobic Digestion vs. Insect Protein37:30 Insect Protein Production and Byproducts41:36 Profitability in Insect Farming44:55 Challenges in the Insect Protein Industry49:05 Open Collaboration in Waste Management52:52 Global Perspectives on Insect Protein54:42 Advice for Future Leaders in the Industry
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsw3EJMmyfAWULh5_ISXRkgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-soldier-fly-leaders/about/?viewAsMember=true