Insects to Feed the World 2024 Conference in Singapore

Beta Bugs Ltd CEO, Thomas Farrugia and Genetics & Breeding Programme Manager, Maria Martinez Castillero were delighted to attend IFW this year in Singapore – ‘The premier conference for the Insects as Feed & Food sector.' 

The international event held at the Singapore EXPO brought together researchers and industry professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and the latest advancements in the field of insects for feed and food. The conference included an integrated exhibition, three days of parallel sessions, as well as networking events, and opportunities to tour Singapore’s world-class research facilities.

Beta Bugs CEO, Thomas and Genetics & Breeding Programme Manager, Maria were in attendance at the four day event and both presented at the conference on the 21^st of June.

See below for more information on their IFW presentations;

Insects to Feed the World proved to be an excellent event, gathering the majority of our industry in one room, making it easy to catch up, discuss with, and learn from colleagues from SE Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Americas and explore opportunities to collaborate and work together to grow the global insect farming sector.

 IFW stood out from other conferences because of the strong collaboration and inter-mingling between industry and academia players, which we hope to see continue in future editions and carry over into other conferences and activities for our sector.

 In addition, it is encouraging to see that there are moves to standardize our industry’s “language”, ensuring that we can communicate results and data more effectively, benchmark performance, and fast-tracking the implementation of innovations. In a similar vein, I presented a talk providing a big picture on how genetics and livestock supply, in different product formats, will enable the up-scaling of our sector, and the collaboration and efforts required to do so.

 Last, but definitely not least, the broad range of R&D presented within the genetics and breeding symposia provided food for thought, and it was great for us to be able to give back to our community by showcasing the key work we have undertaken within our breeding program, which is and always will be, a dedicated, full-time operation for our business – because this is what will enable us to create impact, at the bottom-line, for our colleagues.“

Thomas Farrugia, CEO, Beta Bugs Ltd

An Overview of IFW 2024

The 5th edition of the “Insects to Feed the World” (IFW 2024) conference, organized by the Asian Food and Feed Insect Association (AFFIA), concluded with resounding success at the Singapore EXPO from June 19^th to 22^nd, 2024. The event served as a pivotal platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration in the insect feed and food sector.

Over 600 participants attended IFW 2024, underscoring its significance as a global gathering of industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs committed to exploring innovative solutions for food and feed security. Sessions facilitated robust discussions and knowledge exchange among participants, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience throughout the event.

The culinary experience at IFW 2024 was enhanced by insect-based dishes crafted by Chef Joseph Yoon and students from Nanyang Polytechnic, showcasing innovative culinary applications. Documentary photographer and filmmaker Umberto Diecinove enriched the cultural dimension with his “I N S C T S” gallery, capturing diverse perspectives from the global insect industry and hosting insightful discussions through his “Get the Bug” podcast.

Reflecting on the success of IFW 2024, organizers expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, and partners for their contributions in advancing the transformative potential of insects in sustainable food systems. The next IFW will be held in Turin, Italy, in 2026, managed by ASIFF (Academic Society for Insects as Food and Feed), with applications now open for IFW 2028.

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