Tebrio, a biotechnology company specialising in mealworm production, has begun construction on what will be the world’s largest insect farm in Salamanca, Spain. The 90,000 square metre facility is expected to produce over 100,000 tonnes of products annually, including proteins for animal feed, biofertilizers, and chitosan for various industries.
The project, valued at €110 million, aims to be completed in phases, with the first phase set for 2025 and full completion by 2028. Tebrio’s CEO, Adriana Casillas, emphasised the facility’s role in promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact, as it will run on renewable solar energy and reuse construction waste.
The plant will also contribute to the local economy by creating 150 direct jobs and 1,350 indirect jobs. The event, which coincided with the company’s 10th anniversary, was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and former football coach Vicente del Bosque.
Tebrio’s farming process for mealworms produces no pollutants, and the company continues to measure its environmental impact. The facility aligns with Tebrio’s sustainability goals, having already achieved a zero-carbon footprint.
