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Aspire Food Group: Innovative Food Solutions Case Study

Aspire Food Group's innovative approach to sustainable food solutions has garnered attention in the global food industry. By focusing on edible insects as a protein source and implementing innovative production strategies, the company has been able to address critical challenges in the food supply chain.

The case study delves into Aspire Food Group's founding vision, its impact on the market, and the future of food consumption. As we explore this case study, we will uncover the social impact and community engagement initiatives, as well as the challenges and solutions encountered along the way.

However, it is the global influence on the food industry that truly sets Aspire Food Group apart, making this case study a compelling exploration of modern food innovation.

Aspire Food Group's Founding Vision

Aspire Food Group's founding vision, centered around sustainable and innovative protein production, has been a driving force behind the company's mission to address global food security challenges. The founding inspiration stemmed from the realization that traditional protein sources are unsustainable and unable to meet the demands of a growing global population.

Under visionary leadership, Aspire Food Group sought to revolutionize the food industry by harnessing the potential of insect farming. This approach aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger and responsible consumption and production.

The visionary leadership at Aspire Food Group recognized the potential of insects as a highly sustainable and efficient protein source. Through innovative farming techniques, the company has been able to produce high-quality protein at a fraction of the environmental cost compared to traditional livestock farming. This not only addresses global food security challenges but also contributes to mitigating the environmental impact of food production.

Aspire Food Group's founding vision serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership in driving sustainable and innovative solutions to complex global problems.

Sustainable Food Solutions

One approach to addressing global food security challenges involves the development and implementation of sustainable food solutions that prioritize efficient resource utilization and environmental responsibility.

Aspire Food Group, in line with this approach, emphasizes ethical sourcing and the circular economy to minimize its environmental impact while contributing to global food security. Ethical sourcing ensures that the production of food aligns with social and environmental standards, promoting fair labor practices and reducing negative environmental impacts.

Aspire Food Group's commitment to the circular economy involves minimizing waste and maximizing the utilization of resources through innovative practices such as insect farming for protein production and the transformation of organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizers.

These strategies not only address food security challenges but also contribute to the reduction of environmental degradation, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainable food solutions.

Edible Insects as Protein Source

Edible insects offer a promising solution to the global challenge of sustainable protein production. They are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a valuable addition to the diet.

Moreover, insect farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock, thus positioning edible insects as a sustainable and efficient protein source for the future.

Nutritional Benefits

What are the nutritional benefits of using insects as a source of protein, and how do they compare to traditional protein sources?

Insects offer several nutritional benefits as a protein source, often surpassing traditional sources in various aspects:

  • High Protein Content : Insects, such as crickets and mealworms, contain high levels of protein, sometimes even exceeding that of beef and chicken per gram.
  • Essential Amino Acids : Edible insects provide essential amino acids, crucial for bodily functions, in a balanced manner, comparable to conventional protein sources.
  • Vitamins and Minerals : They are rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, offering a well-rounded nutritional profile.
  • Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly : Insects require fewer resources and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock, aligning with community engagement and consumer awareness towards sustainable food choices.

Sustainable Protein Source

Incorporating edible insects as a sustainable protein source presents a compelling opportunity to address the increasing demand for nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact.

Insect protein is gaining attention due to its high nutritional value, efficient feed conversion, and low greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to traditional livestock, insect farming requires significantly less water and land, making it a more sustainable protein source.

Additionally, edible insects can be raised on organic waste, contributing to waste reduction and circular economy principles. The environmental impact of insect protein production is notably lower in terms of ammonia and methane emissions, as well as land and water usage.

Embracing insect protein as a sustainable protein source offers a promising solution to meet the growing global demand for food while mitigating the environmental challenges associated with traditional livestock production.

Innovative Production Strategies

Aspire Food Group has implemented innovative production strategies that have significantly enhanced efficiency and sustainability in their operations. These strategies have been pivotal in driving the company's success in the alternative protein industry.

The following innovative production strategies have been instrumental in Aspire Food Group's operations:

  • Vertical Farming : By utilizing vertical farming techniques, Aspire Food Group has optimized space utilization, increased crop yields, and reduced water consumption. This innovative approach allows for year-round production and minimizes the environmental impact of traditional farming methods.
  • Automation and Robotics : Aspire Food Group has integrated advanced automation and robotics into its production processes. This has resulted in precise and efficient operations, leading to higher output and reduced labor costs.
  • Energy-Efficient Technologies : The company has adopted energy-efficient technologies to power its production facilities. This includes the use of renewable energy sources and energy-saving equipment, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Waste Reduction and Recycling : Aspire Food Group has implemented comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs. By repurposing organic waste and implementing recycling initiatives, the company has minimized its environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.

These innovative production strategies underscore Aspire Food Group's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the alternative protein industry.

Distribution and Market Impact

Aspire Food Group's distribution channels play a pivotal role in the company's market impact. By strategically expanding into new markets, Aspire Food Group has been able to increase consumer accessibility to their products.

This approach not only drives growth but also aligns with the company's mission of making sustainable protein sources more widely available.

Distribution Channels

The strategic selection and implementation of distribution channels significantly impact the market reach and accessibility of Aspire Food Group's products. Aspire Food Group has optimized its distribution channels through a well-structured supply chain and retail strategy, thereby enhancing its market impact.

The following factors contribute to the effectiveness of the distribution channels:

  • Efficient Supply Chain Management : Aspire Food Group has streamlined its supply chain to ensure timely delivery and minimize product wastage.
  • Diverse Retail Strategy : By utilizing a mix of traditional retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and strategic partnerships, Aspire Food Group has expanded its market presence and accessibility.
  • Targeted Market Penetration : The company has identified and capitalized on specific market segments, tailoring its distribution channels to maximize penetration and sales in those areas.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making : Aspire Food Group leverages data analytics to optimize its distribution channels, ensuring that products reach the right markets at the right time.

Market Expansion

Boasting an expansive market reach and discernible impact, the strategic distribution channels employed by Aspire Food Group have facilitated a notable expansion in market presence and accessibility. This expansion is a direct response to increasing consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious food options.

By leveraging a combination of direct-to-consumer sales, partnerships with retailers, and a strong online presence, Aspire Food Group has been able to effectively penetrate new markets and meet the evolving needs of consumers. The company's focus on market expansion has not only increased its reach but also contributed to a deeper understanding of consumer preferences and behaviors, allowing for more targeted product development and marketing strategies.

Aspire Food Group's proactive approach to market expansion underscores its commitment to meeting and exceeding consumer demand for innovative food solutions.

Consumer Accessibility

With an emphasis on broadening consumer accessibility and understanding market impact, Aspire Food Group's distribution strategies have been pivotal in meeting the evolving demands for sustainable and nutritious food options. The company has strategically focused on addressing food accessibility challenges, particularly in food deserts, by implementing innovative distribution channels and partnerships with local retailers and community organizations.

Additionally, Aspire Food Group has placed a strong emphasis on consumer outreach and food education through various initiatives such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, and nutritional seminars. By leveraging these strategies, Aspire Food Group has been able to expand its market impact and make significant inroads in providing healthy food options to underserved communities.

As a result, the company is not only addressing consumer needs but also fostering a more sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem.

  • Innovative distribution channels
  • Partnerships with local retailers and community organizations
  • Consumer outreach initiatives
  • Food education programs

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

Leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, Aspire Food Group has implemented a comprehensive array of environmental sustainability initiatives to minimize its ecological footprint and promote responsible resource management.

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, Aspire Food Group has integrated vertical farming techniques that optimize land use and water consumption.

The company's commitment to reducing food waste is evident through its utilization of by-products as animal feed and compost, thereby minimizing environmental impact.

Additionally, Aspire Food Group has forged alliances with local farmers to source ingredients, reducing transportation-related emissions and supporting the regional economy.

The company's packaging practices prioritize eco-friendly materials and designs, further mitigating environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

Aspire Food Group's dedication to environmental sustainability is underscored by its investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to power its facilities.

Through these initiatives, the company not only reduces its carbon footprint but also sets a benchmark for responsible, environmentally conscious practices within the food industry.

Social Impact and Community Engagement

Aspire Food Group's social impact and community engagement initiatives encompass a range of strategic programs and partnerships aimed at fostering positive change at the local level.

Through community outreach programs, the company has been able to directly engage with and support various grassroots social initiatives, strengthening its ties with the communities it serves.

Additionally, Aspire Food Group's focus on forging local partnerships for impact has enabled the organization to collaboratively address social challenges and drive meaningful change within the communities it operates.

Community Outreach Programs

Engaging with local communities is a crucial aspect of Aspire Food Group's social impact strategy, facilitating meaningful connections and promoting sustainable change. As part of their community outreach programs, Aspire Food Group has implemented several initiatives to actively engage with the communities they serve:

  • Education Programs : Collaborating with local schools to provide education on sustainable farming practices and nutrition, empowering the community with valuable knowledge.
  • Employment Opportunities : Creating job opportunities within the community, contributing to local economic development and improving livelihoods.
  • Partnerships with Local Organizations : Working closely with local nonprofits and community groups to address specific needs and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and support.
  • Food Donation Drives : Organizing and participating in food donation drives to combat food insecurity, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community needs beyond their core business operations.

Local Partnerships for Impact

Continuing its commitment to fostering sustainable change through community outreach, Aspire Food Group has established local partnerships to amplify its social impact and community engagement efforts. By collaborating with local community organizations, Aspire Food Group has been able to enhance its social responsibility initiatives.

These partnerships have allowed for a more targeted approach, addressing specific needs within the local community. Through data-driven analysis, Aspire Food Group has identified key areas where its resources and expertise can have the greatest impact, ensuring that their initiatives are both effective and sustainable.

This approach has not only strengthened Aspire Food Group's connection to the local community but has also facilitated a deeper understanding of the social dynamics at play, enabling the company to tailor its programs to maximize positive outcomes.

Grassroots Social Initiatives

Through a comprehensive analysis of local social dynamics and needs, Aspire Food Group has strategically leveraged grassroots social initiatives to drive meaningful community engagement and foster sustainable social impact. This approach has allowed the company to deeply connect with the communities it serves, creating tangible and lasting benefits.

Key elements of Aspire Food Group's grassroots social initiatives include:

  • Community Workshops : Engaging local residents in educational workshops on sustainable farming practices and nutrition, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.
  • Local Employment Opportunities : Providing job opportunities within the community, thereby contributing to economic development and promoting self-sufficiency.
  • Partnerships with Local Organizations : Collaborating with local nonprofits and community groups to address specific social needs and maximize the impact of initiatives.
  • Youth Engagement Programs : Implementing programs targeting the youth to instill a sense of responsibility and involvement in community development.

Challenges and Solutions

Addressing the numerous operational and logistical hurdles was a pivotal aspect of Aspire Food Group's strategy for overcoming challenges and implementing effective solutions.

In the realm of food innovation, challenges abound, but so do opportunities for sustainable practices and meeting the evolving demands of food consumption.

Aspire Food Group encountered obstacles in scaling production to meet market demands for their innovative food solutions, particularly with their edible insect products. This required significant investment in research and development, as well as infrastructure to optimize farming processes.

Furthermore, consumer perceptions and regulatory frameworks posed challenges in introducing insect-based foods into mainstream markets. To address these challenges, Aspire Food Group focused on education and engagement to shift perceptions, while also actively participating in policy discussions to influence regulatory changes.

Additionally, the company leveraged technological advancements to streamline their production processes, making them more efficient and sustainable.

Future of Food Consumption

The trajectory of food consumption is poised for significant transformation as technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and sustainability imperatives converge to shape the future of the industry.

The following future trends and dietary changes are projected to impact food consumption:

  • Personalized Nutrition : Advancements in technology and data analytics are enabling the customization of dietary plans based on individuals' genetic makeup, health status, and lifestyle preferences.
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins : Growing awareness of the environmental impact of meat production and the health benefits of plant-based diets are driving a shift towards alternative protein sources such as plant-based meat substitutes and insect-based products.
  • Functional Foods : There is a rising demand for foods and beverages that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Sustainable Packaging and Waste Reduction : Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products with eco-friendly packaging, and there is a growing focus on minimizing food waste throughout the supply chain.

These developments reflect an evolving landscape where food consumption is becoming more personalized, sustainable, and aligned with health and environmental considerations.

Global Food Industry Influence

Culminating from an intricate tapestry of global market forces and regulatory frameworks, the food industry wields a pervasive influence over consumer behavior, dietary trends, and supply chain dynamics.

Food security and global supply have become critical concerns, especially with the increasing global population and the challenges posed by climate change. The industry's influence extends to shaping sustainable agricultural practices and addressing food waste, as these issues have significant implications for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

Sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming and agroecology, are gaining traction to ensure food production meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Additionally, efforts to minimize food waste throughout the supply chain are crucial to attaining food security and reducing the environmental impact of food production.

With the global food industry being an essential pillar of economies worldwide, its influence extends beyond just meeting consumer demand, encompassing critical factors that impact the broader global community.

In conclusion, Aspire Food Group's innovative food solutions present a sustainable and impactful approach to addressing global food challenges.

Through their focus on edible insects as a protein source, innovative production strategies, and community engagement, they are shaping the future of food consumption.

Their efforts not only influence the global food industry but also have a significant social impact.

Aspire Food Group sets a precedent for the potential of sustainable and innovative food solutions to create a positive and lasting impact on the world.

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Case Studies: Aspire Food Group

Food insecurity results from poor access to nutrition, not a lack of food.

That is clear from the fact that many people living in urban slums suffer from obesity and malnutrition at the same time. Realizing that the solution is to make nutritious food affordable and easily accessible, six students from McGill University’s Desautel Business School entered the prestigious Hult Prize competition, which in 2013 focused on food insecurity. The students — Mohammed Ashour, Gabriel Mott, Shobhita Soor, Jesse Pearlstein and Zev Thompson, competing as Aspire Food Group – developed a plan to introduce cricket farming as a recipe for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Where does Julia Shanks Food Consulting fit into all this? We worked with Aspire to develop snack chip recipes that incorporate cricket flour.

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The Challenge

While cricket flour is abundantly available, no extant recipes provided the tasty, easily-prepared, culturally relevant and highly nutritious results Aspire was looking for. They needed to develop snacks and the recipes to mass-produce them with minimal resources and technology.

The Process

Julia Shanks tested a series of recipes with Aspire, ranking them on taste, ease of preparation, and cultural relevance. We came up with three finalists: a poppadum (a crisp Indian-inspired flatbread), caramel popcorn, and potato and corn chips. Aspire decided to go with the poppadum, and used it in their presentation to the award committee, including President Bill Clinton.

The Outcome

Using the poppadum recipe we developed together, the Aspire group won the 2013 Hult Prize, receiving $1 million in start-up funding for their nascent business.

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Aspire Food Group

Cricket Protein Farming For Cricket Powder Production

A world transformed by insect technology

A growing population and increasing demand for food and raw materials requires sustainable, scalable solutions that keep our world healthy.

The technology

We are pioneering the insect agriculture industry by integrating a wide range of cutting-edge technologies to operate the smartest and most environmentally responsible protein production system on the planet.

Our production system is designed with rapid scalability in mind

We leverage robotics, ASRS technology and automation to continually improve

Indoor production ensures full environmental and quality control

Daily data collection to better understand our insects

Machine learning generates insights, resulting in a self-optimizing facility

We are inspired by the endless potential of our natural world, and we have the Audacity, Skills, Passion, Integrity, Resilience and Excellence to unleash it.

Achievements.

  • Aspire named top AI solution to address hunger
  • Construction of London, ON facility completed
  • MOU signed with Lotte Confectionary

We’re more than just a name. Tap or hover over each letter to find out for yourself.

Audacity: we are competitive, innovative, and dream big

Skill: we are competent, data-driven, and curious

Passion: we are impact-centered, profit-minded, and market-driven

Integrity: we are ethical, trusting, humble and candid

Resilience: we collaborate to overcome adversity and setbacks with fierce determination

Excellence: we aim to be world-class in everything we do and believe kindness is a competitive advantage

Have questions or want to chat? Get in touch.

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Revolutionizing Food-Grade Protein Production

Aspire was recently recognized by UNESCO as a world-leading initiative leveraging AI to support sustainable global development. Read more about the IRCAI Global Top 100. 

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NGen Funding Develops Transformative and Applied Manufacturing Solutions

Aspire, dubbed by the United Nations FAO as "an idea whose time has come" is pioneering a modular protein production system intended to be deployed globally. By developing an integral partnership with DarwinAI to optimize this protein production system, Aspire is positioned to support communities around the world to attain protein and food sovereignty.

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Model of Industry 4.0

The impact the production facility will have on the Canadian advanced manufacturing ecosystem and on the economy is significant, developing the Canadian advanced manufacturing ecosystem and incorporating advanced technologies such as automation, AI, analytics, and robotics. The facility highlights the sustainability of non-meat protein processing and will establish an insect protein supply chain in Canada featuring world-class technology and leading to job creation.

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Novel Application of Advanced Manufacturing Techniques to Develop High Quality Protein

Aspire Food Group and its project partners have come together to build a state-of-the-art high-density cricket production and processing demonstration facility. Global population and demographic changes continually outpace agricultural innovation. Aspire and its partners offer crickets as a superfood that provides a nutritional content and protein that is similar to that of meat, while also being near drought-resistant, eco-friendly, and affordable. The project will develop the world’s first fully automated insect protein manufacturing site, providing the lowest cost protein on the planet, addressing the global issue of food insecurity, and positioning Canada as a leader in this space.

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Aspire Food Group: Right now, our goal is simply to make eating insects – in any form – ‘normal’

12-Apr-2016 - Last updated on 13-Apr-2016 at 16:39 GMT

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Crispy crickets and avocado smash on toast with red pepper flakes (picture: Aspire Food Group).

As Aspire’s new website ​ ​ makes clear, however, the fundamentals look good. Eating bugs is not crazy. In fact, it’s not even unusual, if you take a more global perspective (Aspire has operations in Austin, Texas, Ghana and Mexico), ‘ Two billion people eat insects in 162 nations around the world. Why don't you?’ ​

“The whole reason we were founded was to develop an alternative form of protein that could have an impact on the livestock industry such that people could use it as a replacement protein in meals (in burgers, tacos, etc) and not just as a snack ​[eating more cricket bars won’t likely have much of an impact on global livestock production] ,” ​Aspire marketing director Lisa Friedrich told FoodNavigator-USA.

“But you have to start somewhere. You have to get people used to the idea first, and one of the easiest ways is through a bar or a snack ​[most brands utilizing edible insects are selling snacks - from Exo and Chapul to Bitty Foods, Six Foods (Chirps) - or specialty products such as Critter Bitters ​ ​  (cocktail mixers made with toasted crickets), although crickets are gaining traction in protein powders and shakes].

“We know some people still think this is a fad, but we are in this for the long term, because it’s addressing a long-term challenge, so honestly I think it is going to take a while before eating insects is ‘normal’ in the US, but you have to start somewhere," ​said Friedrich.  "Look at sushi ​[which has taken off in the US despite the fact that it was never a big part of the food culture here]. Right now, the industry is in a ​ period of transition.” ​

Aspire leadership team

Aspire was created in 2012 by five MBA students from McGill University who went on to win the prestigious Hult prize ​ ​  (billed as the ‘planet’s largest student competition to solve the world's toughest challenges’) in 2013 (winners get one million dollars in seed capital).

Aspire has since established operations in Mexico, Ghana and the US and is led by three of its original founders (left to right): Mohammed Ashour (CEO), Gabriel Mott (COO) and Shobhita Soor (chief impact officer).

In the US, its crickets are raised on USDA certified organic feed (modified poultry feed) and are currently available in three forms: Shelf stable roasted whole crickets, shelf-stable cricket flour (milled whole cricket powder), and ‘recipe-ready’ whole crickets (sold frozen).

Everyone in this industry recognizes that we have to become more automated to bring costs down ​

Despite the apparent ubiquity of bug consumption around the world, however, the tools and techniques to raise and process crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers and palm weevil larvae for human food consumption on an industrial scale are still evolving, and there are – as yet – no agreed standards about how to do this in the most efficient manner, said Friedrich.

aketta roasted whole crickets

“ It’s been a process of trial and error. Right now, we’re operating out of a 13,000sq ft facility in Austin, Texas, but we’re looking for a new one as the current site isn’t optimal when it comes to having a completely consistent environment for raising crickets. Our processes are also pretty manual, and labor intensive, and I think everyone in this industry recognizes that we have to become more automated to bring costs down ​.”

From a processing perspective, Aspire freezes its crickets and then roasts them whole. Some are then sold as whole roasted crickets, while a portion of them are then milled down into powders and sold direct to consumers and to CPG companies and local restaurants on a wholesale basis as a food ingredient.

The company is also exploring other processing techniques involving treating the crickets before they are cooked in order to create finer powders with a different taste and texture, said Friedrich, who says Aspire is in the process of putting together a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determination for its products.

Demand currently outstrips supply ​

Aketta cricket powder

But are there enough customers out there to warrant the investment in - and the media excitement over - bug farming and processing?

Absolutely, insists Friedrich, who says that demand currently outstrips supply, and that there is " no shortage" ​ of customers looking for bug ingredients, despite the novelty of the edible insect food category.

“We have seen a lot of companies entering the market, and sadly some leaving as they don’t have enough capital, but we are being approached on a regular basis by companies that want to use crickets and cricket powders, so we are very confident that there is a growing market out there.” ​

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Maple Leaf Foods invests in Entomo Farms as Loblaws bets big on edible insects

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aspire food group case study

aspire food group case study

Aspire Food Group ramps up world’s largest cricket production facility, scouts for 2nd site

March 21, 2023

Elaine Watson

If crickets—which pack an attractive nutritional punch with a low environmental impact —are going to carve out a meaningful space in the alternative protein market, two things must happen, says Aspire Food Group cofounder Mohammed Ashour.

Costs must come down, and supplies of consistent, high-quality raw materials must go up, the two motivating factors behind Aspire’s​  ​new plant in London, Ontario.

Billed as the world’s largest cricket processing facility, Aspire’s new 150,000 sq ft facility in London, Ontario, supplies frozen whole crickets that customers can further process, Ashour told AFN .

“Our vision was always to build something at commercial scale,” said Ashour, who cofounded Aspire in 2012 with four other MBA students from McGill University, and has spent years determining the optimal environment for farming crickets at an industrial scale.

“Because that’s the only way you’re going to unlock the unit economics that can address some of the fundamental issues that made us excited to start this business in the first place.”

‘We have significant contractual commitments for the majority of our production and expect 100% will be sold within the year’

Most of the equipment at the new plant was installed by the beginning of this year, he said. “So we’re now in the commissioning phase, testing out all the equipment, validating the assembly, areas, and tweaking and calibrating.

“The capacity is up to 12,000 metric tons annually of cricket and an equivalent tonnage of frass [waste, which can be used as biofertilizer]. Our expectation is to get to 50-60% of production capacity by the end of this calendar year, and 100% of production capacity in the first half of 2024.

“We have significant contractual commitments for the majority of our production and expect 100% will be sold within the year,” added Ashour. “We’re already in discussions with some of our customers and investors about site selection for a second commercial facility.”

‘For human food, the low hanging fruit is in Asia and parts of Europe. For petfood we’re seeing excitement across the board’

He added: “Substantially all of our production is going into petfood in North America but we’re also having exciting discussions with companies outside of North America in human food and petfood.”

Aspire signed a memorandum of understanding with one of its investors—Korean food company LOTTE —last year whereby LOTTE would serve as exclusive distributor of food products featuring Aspire’s crickets in key markets in Asia and Europe, he said.

“Crickets are the insects with the most traction from a consumer standpoint and they’re also lower in fat than mealworms or black soldier fly larvae, so you don’t have to de-fat them and the powder has a 24-month stable shelf life.

“On the human food side, the low hanging fruit is in Asia and parts of Europe, but for petfood we’re seeing excitement across the board. The global petfood category is well over $100 billion and the United States alone represents almost a third of that. It’s a market that is growing quite substantially with a trend towards higher quality, human-grade ingredients.”

Mohammed Ashour Aspire Food Group

Edible insects: Nutrition, supply chain reliability, sustainability

  So what’s the attraction of edible insects to petfood brands?

“First it’s the nutrition,” claimed Ashour. “One of the really appealing aspects of crickets is that we have demonstrated both in some trials and in the literature, some hypoallergenic effects and gut health related improvements in canines and felines, so there is exciting differentiation that goes a step above protein.

“The second aspect is supply chain reliability,” said Ashour, who feeds his crickets commercially-available chicken feed.  “Take something like venison as a source of high-quality protein for petfood. Some protein sources simply cannot scale beyond a certain level.

“And third, crickets meet all the sustainability criteria, as buyers are looking for ingredients that can help them reduce their carbon emissions.”

EXO cricket bar

‘The cost of capital from a venture dollars or private equity perspective has shot through the roof’

Asked about the challenges of raising money in the current climate, he said: “In the last 12 to 18 months there has been a shift of heart when it comes to capital markets as it relates to unproven business models that are very capital intensive and that don’t have a clear, obvious and timely path to profitability.

“So right now, the cost of capital from a venture dollars or private equity perspective has shot through the roof, so if you want to build a $150-200 million plant, it’s a very expensive way to finance it through equity. About 25% of the funding for our plant in Ontario came from government grants, about 30% came from a loan, and then the balance came from equity.”

He added: “My expectation is that once this facility starts to generate the unit economics that we’re targeting, we’ll be able to access debt financing and other forms of capital with much greater ease. Some of our customers with pretty healthy balance sheets may also front some portion of the capital costs and we could enter into a joint venture type of model where we’re not having to carry the burden of the full capital deployment for it.

“For all of these new food production facilities, whether it’s vertical insect farming or precision fermentation of cultivated meat, there has to be ways [to finance them] outside of VC and private equity because the cost of capital has gotten too high.”

Crickets are high in protein (60-70%), calcium, iron, omega-3s, and vitamin B12

‘Cricket farming represents the most ideal case for vertical farming’

In the Ontario facility, said Ashour, Aspire has “taken advantage of a lot of off-the-shelf technologies that have been proven already in other contexts, just never in the context of livestock production,” from automated storage and retrieval (Dematic) to 24:7 monitoring via sensors (Swiftlabs, TELUS Agriculture) to machine learning ( Darwin AI ) to determine optimal light, sound, humidity, temperature, and food supplies.

He added: “Cricket farming represents the most ideal case for vertical farming. It’s just a series of boxes with enough food and water to support a certain population of crickets. You put the box on a shelf and you do not have to touch it again for 30 days, plus you don’t need lights [although there are energy costs as the crickets need to be kept at a temperature of 85-92 degrees Fahrenheit].

“We then utilize an automatic storage and retrieval system like an Amazon warehouse racking system. In this entire facility you only need 13-15 operators on the floor in a shift.”

  • automation , crickets , insect farming , insects

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Product Description

Publication Date: August 24, 2020

Source: Ivey Publishing

While the practice of eating insects was still in its infancy in North America, Aspire Food Group (Aspire), with its Aketta cricket-protein products, was positioned for success in this emerging market. In 2018, having recently acquired Exo, a maker of cricket-based protein bars, Aspire's co-founders faced an important decision regarding the Aketta brand. While Aspire had experienced some success in marketing cricket powder, whole roasted crickets in popular chip flavours, and granola bites under the Aketta brand, the acquisition of Exo would enable the company to enter the protein bar category and possibly launch other product and brand extensions. As the founders devised a comprehensive marketing plan for the newly acquired brand, they needed to identify which consumer segments would be most receptive to Exo protein bars and most profitable.

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Community-based resilience analysis (cobra) to hazard disruption: case study of a peri-urban agricultural community in thailand.

aspire food group case study

1. Introduction

2. study context, 3. materials and methods, 4. results and discussion, 4.1. study participants and their understanding of resilience, 4.2. preliminary identification of disruptions, 4.3. the disruption with the greatest impact, 4.4. community resilience characteristics, 4.5. trend or change in achievement of resilience characteristics, 4.6. pathways to resilience, 5. conclusions, author contributions, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Click here to enlarge figure

FGDs StepQuestionsTools/Instructions
Step 1:
Agree on the common description of resilience and exposure crises/disruptions
Q1: What are the crises or hazards affecting the community?Establishing a shared understanding or definition of terms among relevant participants. The goal of this step is to ensure that all involved parties have a unified understanding of these terms before proceeding with further discussions or actions related to resilience and exposure to crises/disruptions.
Each team member identifies several crises or disruptions they feel are important, listing them on paper cards.
Step 2:
Main disruption
Q2: Which disruption has the most significant impact on communities, (each possibility is assessed and ranked, with the top 3 moving forward for further group discussion)?Each member of each team was asked to: (1) allocate three beans (left-overs from the “Bean Game”) to the card representing the most important disruption example; (2) assign two beans to the second most important disruption example; and (3) place one bean on the third most important disruption example.
Facilitators collect scores from each team and record results on a flip chart. The top three disruptions facing their community were agreed upon through discussion and voting.
Step 3:
Identify statements to define community resilience
Q3: What are the characteristics of a resilient community in the context of the (selected) disruption?Based on the top disruption from the last step, each group is encouraged to think freely, and developed a no limit initial list of resilience outcome statements.
The facilitators gather all statements and lists on the flip chart, summarizing which are the most common resilience characterization statements.
Step 4:
Prioritize resilience statements/characteristics
Q4: What are the top three characteristics of communities or households that exhibit the highest resilience in effectively recovering from disruptions?Based on the list of all outcome statements that describe resilience in community, participants are asked to identify the most important statements for their community. To facilitate an effective collection of responses, facilitators distribute six beans to each participant and instruct them to place the beans on top of the number. Specifically, participants are asked to: (1) allocate three beans to the number representing the most important statement; (2) assign two beans to the second most important statement; and (3) place one bean on the third most important statement.
Step 5: Rate the trend or change in achievement of resilience characteristicsQ5: Over the last five years, has your community’s attainment of this characteristic gotten better, worse or stayed the same?The workshop participants rated whether each resilience outcome statement identified in Step 4 has improved over the past 5 years and the overall extent to which the resiliency outcomes have been achieved. A scoring system (1 to 5) was used to quantify the changes for each resilience characteristic; 5 (Considerably better than before), 4 (Slightly better than before), 3 (Same as before), 2 (Slightly worse than before), and 1 (Considerably worse than before).
Step 6: Rate the community’s progress in attaining the priority resilience statementsQ6: On a scale of 0 to 10, to what extent has this community achieved each of these characteristics in the current period, and in the last disruption period? Each member is asked to score the community progress towards achieving their statements/characteristics of resilience on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 = totally achieved, 0 = completely absent). They scored each statement twice: first for the current/normal period and second for the last significant disruption period (agreed from step 2).
Contents Frequency (No.)%
1Gender
Male529.41
Female1270.59
Total 17100.00
2Age (Years)
<4015.88
40–5021.76
51–60847.06
>60635.29
Total 17100.00
3Years of experience in Pandan Farming
<515.88
5–101058.82
11–20423.53
>20211.76
Total 17100.00
Group 1Group 2Group 3Group 4Total
COVID-192123522
Water pollution/Wastewater285621
Solid waste3 6716
Plant disease245314
Air pollution3 249
Flood3 58
Drought1 4 5
Financial crisis 3 3
Dengue fever 2 2
Drug abuse2 2
Characteristics of a Resilient CommunityStatementScore
Land ownership 34
Financial security 24
Support from government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives) 14
Support/synergy/cooperation within the community (Knowledge, material, technology, and market) 11
Medical services and facilities 5
self-sufficiency farming 5
Water storage and retention areas 4
Data, news, and knowledge 5
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Share and Cite

Sahavacharin, A.; Likitswat, F.; Irvine, K.N.; Teang, L. Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to Hazard Disruption: Case Study of a Peri-Urban Agricultural Community in Thailand. Land 2024 , 13 , 1363. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091363

Sahavacharin A, Likitswat F, Irvine KN, Teang L. Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to Hazard Disruption: Case Study of a Peri-Urban Agricultural Community in Thailand. Land . 2024; 13(9):1363. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091363

Sahavacharin, Alisa, Fa Likitswat, Kim N. Irvine, and Lihoun Teang. 2024. "Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to Hazard Disruption: Case Study of a Peri-Urban Agricultural Community in Thailand" Land 13, no. 9: 1363. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091363

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