PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1794010
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1794010
Global Insect Processing Systems Market to Reach US$378.3 Million by 2030
The global market for Insect Processing Systems estimated at US$304.9 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$378.3 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Liquid Handling System, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.4% CAGR and reach US$216.8 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Drying System Type segment is estimated at 4.3% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$83.1 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.7% CAGR
The Insect Processing Systems market in the U.S. is estimated at US$83.1 Million in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$75.7 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% and 2.8% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.1% CAGR.
Global Insect Processing Systems Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Are Insect Processing Systems Gaining Ground in Global Protein and Waste Management Strategies?
Insect processing systems are gaining substantial traction across the food, feed, and waste management industries as the global demand for sustainable protein sources and circular economy solutions intensifies. Insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, and crickets are increasingly recognized for their high protein content, efficient feed conversion ratios, and low environmental impact. These qualities position them as viable alternatives to conventional protein sources like soy, fishmeal, and meat, which require extensive land, water, and energy inputs. Insect processing systems are the technological backbone that transforms raw insect biomass into usable products such as protein powders, oils, chitin, and fertilizers. These systems facilitate each stage of the supply chain, including breeding, harvesting, killing, drying, grinding, defatting, and packaging. As commercial insect farming scales up, the need for standardized, hygienic, and efficient processing infrastructure is becoming critical. Countries across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia are encouraging insect protein production through regulatory approvals and R&D grants, which in turn drives investments into processing technologies. Moreover, insect processing aligns with sustainability goals by turning organic waste, agricultural byproducts, and food scraps into high-value insect feed, creating a closed-loop system that reduces both food waste and environmental pollution. Livestock and aquaculture industries are exploring insect-based feed as a way to reduce reliance on overfished marine resources and deforestation-linked soy cultivation. This shift is creating a new industrial ecosystem where insect processing systems play a central role in bridging food security, sustainability, and resource efficiency. As a result, the market for such systems is expanding rapidly, fueled by increasing awareness, supportive policy landscapes, and a pressing need to rethink global protein supply chains.
Can Technology and Automation Optimize Efficiency and Scalability in Insect Processing?
Technological innovation is rapidly reshaping insect processing systems, transforming them from labor-intensive setups into highly automated, scalable industrial operations capable of handling tons of biomass daily. Advanced processing lines now integrate conveyor systems, robotic arms, controlled atmosphere chambers, and intelligent sensors to automate sorting, harvesting, and killing of larvae, ensuring consistent product quality and worker safety. Automated drying technologies such as fluidized bed dryers and microwave-assisted dehydration are replacing traditional sun-drying and oven methods, significantly improving drying speed, microbial safety, and nutrient retention. Cold pressing and supercritical CO2 extraction techniques are being applied to produce high-purity insect oils while preserving valuable lipids and micronutrients. Real-time monitoring systems equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are enabling continuous tracking of humidity, temperature, pH, and microbial load across the processing line, allowing operators to make precise adjustments that reduce spoilage and increase throughput. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are also beginning to play a role in optimizing yield forecasts, waste conversion rates, and energy consumption. Modular processing units are gaining popularity among small and mid-sized producers, offering plug-and-play scalability without large capital investments. Traceability software and blockchain integration ensure that insect-based products meet food and feed safety standards, which is crucial for market acceptance and regulatory compliance. Additionally, innovations in packaging and preservation technologies are extending shelf life and enhancing the export potential of insect-derived products. These technological advancements not only boost the efficiency and hygiene of insect processing operations but also lower production costs, making insect protein more competitive with traditional sources. As technology continues to evolve, insect processing systems will become more sophisticated, sustainable, and economically viable across a broad range of applications.
How Are Industry Applications Influencing the Design and Function of Processing Systems?
Diverse end-use applications in food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture are significantly influencing how insect processing systems are designed and operated. In the animal feed sector, for instance, processors prioritize high-capacity, cost-efficient systems that can rapidly convert black soldier fly larvae into protein meal and oil for poultry, fish, and pig farming. These facilities often emphasize robust decontamination steps, such as thermal treatment and pathogen testing, to ensure compliance with feed safety regulations. In contrast, edible insect production for human consumption demands finer grinding, flavor-preserving drying techniques, and food-grade hygienic design that meets strict food safety certifications such as HACCP and ISO 22000. Processing lines for chitin and chitosan extraction used in pharmaceuticals and biodegradable plastics incorporate additional steps like demineralization and deproteinization using chemical or enzymatic treatments. Cosmetic ingredient manufacturers may require defatting and fine filtration capabilities to produce insect-derived oils suitable for skincare applications. Fertilizer producers using insect frass as a byproduct focus on nutrient stabilization, odor control, and packaging tailored to agricultural standards. Each of these market segments demands a customized processing approach with specific considerations for throughput, input type, product purity, and regulatory compliance. This has led manufacturers of insect processing systems to develop modular designs that can be tailored or upgraded depending on the intended application. The increased diversity of output types, from full-fat meals and protein concentrates to functional oils and biopolymers, is pushing system developers to create flexible solutions capable of handling multiple product streams. The customization of processing systems based on application not only improves operational efficiency but also supports the rapid diversification of the insect-based product portfolio, unlocking new commercial opportunities across the bioeconomy.
What Is Driving the Rapid Expansion of the Insect Processing Systems Market?
The growth in the insect processing systems market is driven by several interconnected forces stemming from environmental, economic, and regulatory shifts that are transforming how the world approaches protein production and waste management. One of the most important drivers is the increasing global focus on sustainability and the circular economy, where insect farming and processing provide a viable solution to convert organic waste into valuable products while minimizing carbon, land, and water footprints. The rising demand for alternative proteins in the animal feed industry, particularly amid price volatility and supply chain risks associated with fishmeal and soy, is accelerating the adoption of insect-based feed ingredients. As a result, more producers are investing in industrial-scale processing systems that ensure consistent quality and high-volume output. Regulatory developments are also playing a pivotal role, with regions such as the European Union expanding approvals for insect protein use in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food, creating a secure pathway for commercialization. The food sector is experiencing growing interest in insect-based protein as a climate-friendly and nutritious alternative, and this consumer shift is encouraging startups and food-tech companies to invest in advanced, hygienic processing technologies that meet human consumption standards. Additionally, the growth of venture capital investment and public funding in the alternative protein sector is enabling the rapid construction of pilot and commercial insect processing plants. Technological maturation, particularly in automation, AI integration, and modular engineering, is lowering operational costs and reducing labor dependency, making insect processing increasingly scalable and profitable. The convergence of these drivers is positioning insect processing systems as a cornerstone of the next-generation food and feed industry, with significant growth potential across regions and sectors. As sustainability mandates and consumer awareness continue to rise, the insect processing systems market is expected to expand rapidly, driven by innovation, policy support, and growing commercial demand.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Insect Processing Systems market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Type (Liquid Handling System, Drying System Type, Other Insect Processing System Types); Application (Feed Application, Food Application, Other Applications)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
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