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The group Schwarzparent company of supermarket chains Lidl et Kauflandseriously consider insects as a food source for the future. Through its prezero subsidiary, specializing in recycling and waste management, the group aims to develop an integrated chain for the production, processing and distribution of insects as a source of protein.
Protein waste
The initiative includes the construction of an insect farm in Buchen, Germany, to cultivate larvae on waste of waste and food surpluses. These larvae will then be transformed into natural fertilizers and proteins intended for human consumption, in order to launch its own brand of insect products. The first phase should be completed by the end of 2026, reports Revista Inforetail.
Prezero stresses that the project complies with the circular economy: food waste is transformed into new raw materials, which considerably reduces the carbon footprint of food production. “This is perfectly part of our strategy to strengthen sustainability and effective resource management,” said a spokesperson.
Insects that change the situation?
Although insects are still a niche product in Europe, they arouse growing interest. The EU has already approved several species of insects for human consumption, such as flour worms and crickets. However, the introduction on a large scale in supermarkets remains out of the question, partly because of cultural barriers and logistical challenges.
In Switzerland, Lidl has already tested insect snacks in 2021, but their large -scale introduction did not follow. With this new project, the group seems to make an ambitious new attempt, but it remains to be seen if the products will end up being on the shelves of Lidl or Kaufland.