New Insect Industry Association launched in Osona to promote cricket protein

Seven Catalan startups unite in Vic to advocate for sustainable insect-based food alternatives and high-protein solutions.

Generic image of a clean room laboratory processing nutritional protein powder.
IA

Generic image of a clean room laboratory processing nutritional protein powder.

The Catalan Association of the Insect Industry (Indicat) has been established in Vic to represent seven emerging companies specializing in breeding crickets and soldier flies for human and animal nutrition.

The association includes Grillco, which operates a high-tech farm in Sant Miquel de Balenyà housing 20 million crickets. The facility produces a tasteless powder containing 70% high-quality protein and four times more vitamin B12 than traditional meat, offering a versatile ingredient for the food industry.

"Cricket powder is ideal for dissolving in a smoothie or a pumpkin cream. A single tablespoon a day provides the recommended dose of vitamin B12."

Bernat Monter · Grillco Co-founder
Environmental sustainability is a key driver for the sector. Grillco reports nearly zero environmental impact, with minimal water usage and no waste production. New products, such as vitamin-enriched honey, were recently showcased at the Alimentaria trade fair in collaboration with Torrons i Mel Alemany.