The Lithuanian company, founded in 2020 by entrepreneurs Audrius Grušnis and Kęstutis Lipnickas, recognized the potential of insect protein and aimed to create high-quality insect-derived ingredients for the food industry, excelling in nutritional and functional qualities. As the demand for sustainable diets grows, the company launched its pilot facility in 2022 and is currently approaching the closing stages of its Series A funding round. To enhance its capabilities, Divaks has announced its collaboration with Swiss technology group Bühler to build its first commercial-scale yellow mealworm plant, aiming to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of insect-derived products annually by 2025, and double its production by 2030.
With Bühler’s help, Divaks is committed to market development and creating sustainable products, asserting that high-quality mealworms have been found to contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for human nutrition, as well as healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Furthermore, insect proteins, including those from mealworms, have been found to have high digestibility rates. Also, they have been found to be a source of B-vitamins, including B12, which can often be lacking in plant-based diets. Additionally, they contain vital minerals crucial for various bodily functions, including immune response and antioxidant protection.
Yellow mealworm is an ideal ingredient for sports nutrition and health-focused consumers due to its nutrient-dense nature. Divaks envisions its potential application in health and sports nutrition as well as specialized food products, emphasizing the importance of sustainable protein sources in the current food and beverage industry trends.
To keep in line with sustainability trends, the new plant will allow Divaks to utilize residue from mealworm production as organic fertilizer, contributing to healthier soils. From the sustainability point of view, mealworms have a lower environmental impact than traditional livestock farming and fit into the broader trend towards food and drink sustainability. As consumers increasingly look for sustainable options, the yellow mealworm production models sustainability and circularity, an essential part of the broader conversation regarding food and drink industry innovation.
These initiatives signify the company’s anticipation of significant rise in demand for insect protein, reflecting consumer trends towards sustainable diets. Enhancing its capabilities, the company is setting higher production targets, leveraging technological advancements and partnerships to fulfill this market need.
