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Tebrio begins construction on insect farm in Spain

A leader in Tenebrio molitor, the company has broken ground on its new 90,000-square-meter plant, which will have an annual production capacity of more than 100,000 tons of products when completed.

Slated to be completed by 2028, Tebrio's new facility will produce high-quality proteins and lipids for animal feed, organic biofertilizers and chitosan.
Slated to be completed by 2028, Tebrio's new facility will produce high-quality proteins and lipids for animal feed, organic biofertilizers and chitosan.
Tebrio

Tebrio, a biotechnology company specializing in the production of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) products, has laid the first stone for what it said will be the world’s largest insect farm. The groundbreaking ceremony in Salamanca, Spain, was attended by co-founders Adriana Casillas, CEO, and Sabas de Diego, CTO, alongside government officials and industry leaders.

The plant, set to cover 90,000 square meters when completed, will produce over 100,000 tons of products annually, including high-quality proteins and lipids for animal feed, organic biofertilizers, and chitosan for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and bioplastics. The first phase is expected to be completed by late 2025, with the entire €110 million (US$133.4 million) project finished by 2028.

“This project reflects our vision to lead a shift towards a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly industry,” said Casillas. “It’s also a tribute to our roots and the journey we’ve shared with our community here in Salamanca.”

Sustainability, innovation at the core

The new plant will operate entirely on renewable solar energy and reuse construction waste for building materials. Tebrio said it aims to achieve a negative carbon footprint with the facility, which aligns with its existing zero-waste model. The company transforms low-value by-products, mainly from the cereal sector, into high-value raw materials.

Tebrio’s farming process for mealworms produces no methane, ammonia or other pollutants, and the company actively measures its environmental impact. Recognized as a B Corp and a United Nations Global Compact member, Tebrio is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and has already reached a zero-carbon footprint.

The groundbreaking event coincided with Tebrio’s 10th anniversary, celebrating its evolution from a small-scale operation raising mealworms at home to a global leader in insect-based biotechnology. Officials such as Juan Cruz, Spain’s Secretary of State for Science, and Vicente del Bosque, former national soccer coach and Honorary Sponsor of the factory, attended the ceremony.

“This project will not only have a global impact but also strengthen the local and regional economy,” Casillas said.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the plant will create 150 direct jobs and 1,350 indirect jobs. Located in Salamanca’s Puerto Seco, a strategic logistics hub, the facility is designed to strengthen the local economy while meeting growing global demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.

Adapted from a press release.

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