CPF partners with university to develop insect protein

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) is already the world’s largest feed producer, sixth largest broiler producer and fourth largest egg producer. Now, the Thailand-based company is stepping up its involvement the insect protein sector.

Roy Graber Headshot
Paulrommer SL | Bigstock.com
Paulrommer SL | Bigstock.com

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) is already the world’s largest feed producer, sixth largest broiler producer and fourth largest egg producer. Now, the Thailand-based company is stepping up its involvement the insect protein sector.

CPF Senior Vice President Pairat Srichana and Chiang Mai University (CMU) President Niwes Nantachit recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop insect-based protein from black soldier flies. The company, in a press release, said the project will embrace a bio-circular green (BCG) economy model, while driving the Thai agriculture industry toward a sustainable growth.

Under the agreement, CPF will fund the project and jointly develop the first smart farm for black soldier flies in Thailand. The pilot farm will also be a learning center for CMU students, farmers and the larger community.

Pairat said CPF was already working on alternative protein sources, and had developed cricket feed in 2013. The company started to research the benefits of the black soldier fly in 2016.

“Black soldier fly is a sustainable choice for alternative protein and fat sources,” said Pairat. “Therefore, we are making a traceable and value-added insect protein. We hope that our partnership with Chiang Mai University will pave the way for a sustainable and profitable insect industry in Thailand.”

Dr. Ythana Phimolsiripol, director of food innovation and packaging center at CMU, said the university had initially researched products from the black soldier fly, such as skincare products from the insect’s larvae oil. With the partnership with CPF, the university can better explore commercial opportunities.

“Chiang Mai University and CPF have the same goal, which is to explore the new products for driving (the) Thai agriculture sector towards sustainable growth, using the BCG economy model as an outline,” Phimolsiripol said in the press release. “This research will not only benefit both organizations, but also farmers across the country, who can generate extra income from this new economic insect.”

Page 1 of 1575
Next Page