Tebrio, a Salamanca-based biotech firm, is moving forward with plans to establish a pioneering insect production facility in the region. The project aims to create a vast operation where insects will be cultivated to yield substantial protein and fat for a range of applications, including animal feed, pet nutrition, agriculture, and bioindustrial uses in cosmetics and textiles.
Located roughly a 15-minute drive from the city center, preparations are underway for a new 90,000 square meter Tebrio complex. The company, founded in 2017 and named after the mealworm Tenebrio molitor, reflects its core focus on insects as a scalable source of protein and fat.
Tebrio’s partner Sabas de Diego explained to Efe during a tour of the current facility that the new site is projected to surpass the 100,000 ton mark in annual output. The expansion is designed to pair with the company’s existing technology, which has earned patents in many countries and aims to deliver substantial growth in both local and global markets.
The Salamanca project is expected to generate around 250 new jobs when fully completed, with a clear ambition to broaden its footprint into the Americas and Asia as demand expands. De Diego noted that while the factory will be the largest of its kind, the company recognizes the need to scale further in the medium term to address potential gaps in animal protein supply for the animals that are raised globally.
a leading company
Fran García, Tebrio’s director of communications, recalled that the founders envisioned a solution to a pressing tension between animal farming and human nutrition. The idea was to create a robust bioconversion system that uses the insect as a source of protein and fat to feed livestock, while also enabling broader agricultural and ecological benefits across vast landscapes that could be repurposed for human use or biodiversity enhancement.
Insects serve multiple roles, offering a versatile feedstock for cattle and other livestock. The goal is to produce substantial quantities of high-quality protein and fats, contributing to a more efficient food system and potentially freeing up millions of hectares for other uses, all while supporting biodiversity. This approach aligns with Tebrio’s long-term strategy to innovate at the intersection of biology and agriculture.
The company, which opened the first approved insect production facility in the European Union for animal feed in 2015, achieved another milestone in 2019 by becoming the first biotechnology company to receive authorization to produce organic fertilizers derived from insects. These steps marked Tebrio as a trailblazer in sustainable agri-biotechnology and circular economy practices.
Less use of chemical fertilizers
Casillas explained that the Salamanca entrepreneurs aimed to optimize resources to unlock greater food production from a new supply channel. Insects, he noted, have always been part of nature’s pantry and now offer a sustainable, scalable solution for animal feed and beyond. The excrement from Tenebrio beetles holds exceptional value for soil health, enabling significant reductions in chemical fertilizer use while enhancing soil quality in both organic and conventional farming systems.
This approach supports sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and fostering healthier soil ecosystems. It also contributes to a broader transition toward more resilient farming practices that can adapt to changing climate and market conditions.
Insect farming is increasingly recognized for its potential to boost resource efficiency and sustainability across multiple industries. Tebrio sees the Salamanca project as a pivotal step in expanding the practical use of insects for food and non-food applications alike, while maintaining a strong focus on environmental stewardship and innovation.
In the new factory, the initial phase is slated for completion in 2024, with the concluding phase expected in 2025. The facility will utilize vertical farming techniques to maximize output on a relatively small footprint, a strategic choice that reduces land use while maintaining high production capacity. Garcia emphasized that this design supports efficient resource management and a compact footprint that suits urbanized regions and growing demand.
The project also prioritizes water efficiency, reinforcing Tebrio’s commitment to a circular model that captures and reuses resources wherever possible. This approach minimizes waste and supports sustainable operations across the entire production cycle.
Construction will proceed on 90,000 square meters within a larger 130,000 square meter industrial area under Salamanca’s Peña Alta development plan. The focus is on creating a modern, integrated production and processing complex that can scale with market demand while adhering to rigorous safety and environmental standards.
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Note: This article summarizes Tebrio’s expansion plans and the strategic rationale behind them. (Source: Tebrio company communications and public statements)