Interview with Frank Kamsteeg, founder and Ceo at Nochey BV, author of “9 reasons why eating insects is healthier than what you are eating at the moment”
Obviously the first question is: why should the western world start eating insects?
Insects are healthy, durable and a great replacement for our traditional meat. In the near future we will run out of natural proteins, so why not start now with eating the best proteins available? Traditional meat will become very exclusive and expensive because of the growth of the world population. We have to be prepared for food shortages in the future. Eating insects is one of our great opportunity.
When did you first have the idea to invest in the edible insects sector?
In the middle of the year 2013, I had the idea to develope and produce a protein-bar made with grasshoppers. In 2014 I founded Nochey and met my two current business-partners. As a team we developed new meat products first. The protein-bar has not been developed yet…
What are the products you are acutally marketing?
We market 4 catagories:
Meat: Burger, Schnitzel and steak
Snacks: Bitterballs, croquettes, small bites, spicy bites and burgers
Meals: Soups, pasta bolognese
Sportsfood: Squeeze-packs, pasta and sauces
What’s your “best seller” product?
The Nochey Burger is the most popular, but we expect our pasta to become nr. 1 very soon. We have developed a pasta (noodles) with insect protein in the dough. Combined with a mealworm bolognese sauce it is a perfect sportsfood.
We also see a lot of possibilities in healthcare with personalized mix of proteins and vitamins.
Where do you buy your insects?
In Belgium.
What’s actually your main market?
At the moment catering is our main market. We organise catering parties with our Nochey-girls, called “the Nochey-experience”. Many people are curious and like to offer something new to their guests (see our catering website www.insecten-snacks.nl)
How is the edible insects market growing in Holland?
It is growing fast. When I started Nochey BV not many people believed there would be a market for edible insects in food. Now most of the people is aware and willing to try.
More and more companies are developing food made from insects. Food trucks and food festivals have helped to enforce this awarenes among the consumers.
Will entomophagy be normally practiced in Europe in ten years?
Absolutely!
Think about sushi, for example. Ten years ago no one in Holland could order it. Now it can even be delivered at your home like a pizza. For the western world edible insects are a new kind of food at the moment, but within 10 years you will normally buy insects products like today you do with beef, chicken, fish, or pizza.
Entomophagy in the western world is an unstoppable growing movement.
