From Waste to Value: The Pragmatic Approach to Insect Farming and Sustainability

In this episode of Pet Business Disruptors, host Clayton interviews Yka Maijonen, CEO of Manor Insect, a Finnish company specializing in black soldier fly (BSF) breeding. Yka shares the journey of Manor Insect, highlighting their mission to make insect farming accessible and affordable for everyone. The discussion delves into the challenges and misconceptions within the BSF industry, particularly regarding market viability, pricing, and the importance of understanding customer needs. Yka emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach to insect farming, focusing on low-cost solutions and the significance of knowledge and training for aspiring insect farmers.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Accessibility in Insect Farming: Manor Insect aims to make black soldier fly (BSF) breeding accessible to everyone, focusing on low-cost and simple solutions.  Pragmatic Approach to Business: The company emphasizes a pragmatic view of the BSF industry, recognizing the importance of understanding market dynamics and customer needs rather than getting caught up in sustainability hype. Challenges of Scaling: There are significant challenges in scaling BSF production, particularly in Europe, where regulations limit the use of waste as feed. Focus on Knowledge and Training: Manor Insect has shifted its focus from merely selling technology to providing knowledge and mentoring for potential insect farmers.    BEST MOMENTS "We looked at it very pragmatically as a technology, as a tool, and then a tool to means to an end." - Yka  "The only thing you care is that how to make this production cheaper." - Yka  "There's a lot of bullshit figures floating around in terms of what you can actually make from it." - Clayton "We need to be true competitors... this is the most uncomfortable area for me." - Yka    HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few.  Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors