
Polish insect-based protein producer HiProMine is planning to recruit more than 100 employees for its new factory in Karkoszów, in the country’s western part.
The production facility was built under an investment worth about PLN 12 million (US$3 million), according to the information obtained by local broadcaster TVP3.
“We offer high quality insect meal (dry form), insect pulp (fresh meat), and insect dried larvae, produced from Black Soldier Fly - Hermetia illucens,” the business said in a statement. “Our meals are dried and processed in low temperature which improves digestibility and nutritive values for animals. Our production is compliant with veterinary control standards, biosecurity, prevention of diseases, and GMP+/HACCP rules. All substrates used in insect rearing are vegetable based and GMO free.”
Looking to alternative and sustainable protein and fat sources, HiProMine has developed a technology reducing negative impact in the circular economy model.
The latest development is part of a string of investments the company is carrying out in Poland. Earlier this year, HiProMine finalized the construction of the second phase of its new Genetic Center in Robakowo, in Poland’s western part, and launched its facility. The development is part of the firm’s strategy to kick off industrial-scale production activities.
Spanish pet food sales expand in 2023
Spain’s National Association of Petfood Manufacturers (ANFAAC) has released positive data on the performance of the country’s industry in 2023.
The Spanish pet food sector expanded its revenues by some 14.5 percent last year, reaching a total sales value of around €1.955 billion (US$2.117 billion), the industry body said in a statement.
“All food categories are growing again and the great boost received by the specialized channel and e-commerce stands out,” according to the statement.
“By species, turnover increased significantly both in dog food (+9.2%, up to 1,126 million euros) and, above all, for cats (+22.5%, up to 829 million euros),” the ANFAAC said. “All food categories expanded their sales, from dry food (for dogs: +8.7%, 800 million; for cats: +17.1%, 430.3 million), as well as wet food (for dogs: + 13.8%, 161 million; for cats: +28.9%, 335.5 million) and snacks (for dogs: +7.6%, 165.3 million; for cats: +28.7%, 63.2 million).”
The significant boost in sales which characterized specialized and online retailers was crucial to the sector’s growth in 2023, according to the Spanish industry body.
The Madrid-based association says its members account for some 90 percent of the country’s pet food sales.
Vafo invests in renewable energy capacities at Finnish factory
Czech producer Vafo is injecting funds to ensure that its production facility in Finland makes pet food with the use of renewable energy.
In a statement, the company said that it “is proud to announce the installation of 896 solar panels at our logistics center and dry food factory in Nokia. This upgrade is set to generate more than 300,000 kWh of electricity annually.”
The Czech group operates its plant in the ECO3 Industrial zone in Nokia, in Finland’s southern part. The factory is fitted with an annual production capability of 20,000 tons of pet food, according to data released by Vafo.
“The new solar panels supply green electricity to our existing logistics center and dry food factory, significantly covering their electricity needs. This project underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in reducing CO2 emissions,” the business said. “The installation of these solar panels marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener future. It enables us to provide the best for our pets while taking care of our planet.”
The value of the investment in Nokia was not disclosed.