Catalan Biotech Firm Dapibus Automates Insect Protein Production for European Expansion

Dapibus, a specialized biotechnology firm based in Abrera, Barcelona province, is advancing the industrial scale of sustainable protein production through the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. The company focuses on the bioconversion of agro-food waste into high-value components, positioning itself within Europe's expanding insect protein sector, which is projected to serve as a strategic pillar for the continent's food system by 2030.

The core operation at the Abrera facility centers on an automated biotransformation plant capable of processing an estimated volume exceeding 16,000 tons of residual organic material annually. This significant throughput yields essential raw materials, including protein meal, fats, and nutrient-rich organic fertilizers, commonly known as frass. Operational efficiency relies heavily on the integration of advanced technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, which are crucial for achieving the scalable production volumes required to meet market demand.

The resulting insect-derived products are targeted for supply to the pet food, livestock feed, and aquaculture sectors. These industries are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional protein sources like soybean and fishmeal due to environmental pressures and supply chain considerations. Dapibus CEO Alex Segura has highlighted the efficiency of BSF larvae in transforming low-quality food industry byproducts, such as fruit pulp or peels from juice manufacturing, into valuable proteins and oils.

The facility in Abrera is recognized as one of the few centers of its kind operating across Europe, marking a significant step in localizing sustainable ingredient production within the continent. Dapibus's strategic vision includes concrete plans for international growth and the development of a substantially larger production plant slated for inauguration by 2030. This timeline aims to establish Dapibus as a key entity within the European insect protein market, aligning with broader European objectives for enhanced domestic protein self-sufficiency and circular economy principles.

The global black soldier fly market is experiencing robust expansion, with projections indicating it could reach approximately $3.96 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for alternative proteins in animal feed and supportive regulatory frameworks in Europe. The European insect sector, recognized for its advanced regulatory development and industrial capacity, is anticipated to generate over 120,000 tonnes of insect feed products by 2025 alone. Dapibus's emphasis on automation and waste valorization directly addresses the industry’s need to overcome technical barriers and scale production sustainably to meet this forecasted demand.