FoodTech startup Flying Spark and seafood producer Thai unio Group, headquartered in Thailand, have announced they are leveraging their expertise and capabilities to develop what they describe as an important entry into the alternative protein market.

Thai unio will also invest in Flying Spark, enabling the startup to move ahead with its insect growing and processing capabilities in Thailand and dedicate efforts towards cost reduction and process improvements.

The Flying Spark and Thai unio announcement includes both a strategic partnership and investment to promote larval insect protein as a highly sustainable, highly nutritious contender in the alternative protein market. This collaboration joins Thai unio’s production capabilities and global reach with Flying Spark’s technology in creating an affordable protein offering to fulfill the worldwide growing need for cheap, sustainable, high-quality protein.

Thai unio recently announced the foundation of a venture fund with an initial commitment of $30 million for investments in innovative companies that are developing breakthrough technologies in food-tech. The fund will focus on three strategic areas: alternative protein, functional nutrition and value chain technology. As a first investment, Thai unio announced an investment in Flying Spark.

“We are excited to collaborate with this leading multinational seafood company,” said Eran Gronich, CEO and founder of Flying Spark. “Thai unio and Flying Spark see eye-to-eye on the need for future alternative protein products to offer high-value protein while minimizing the ecological footprint. This marks a significant step forward in bringing insect protein into the food industry mainstream.”

Flying Spark uses larvae from Ceratitis Capitata, that in nature feed on fresh fruits. The larvae have a lifespan of only seven days yet multiply their body mass 250 times in that period. Flying Spark says its technology enables easy and low cost cultivation and processing, with nearly zero waste, as all parts of the larvae are used. This, the company believes, gives Flying Spark an edge over conventional protein sources — not only those from meat and plants but also over other insects, such as crickets and grasshoppers. 

“Over the last years, Thai unio has made significant investments to become a leader in seafood innovation and sustainability,” said Thai unio CEO Thiraphong Chansiri. “As we move into the coming decade, we will increasingly cooperate with innovative start-ups in strategically interesting areas. This will complement our own activities as we are broadening our business beyond our traditional core.”

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