INTERVIEW 54 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2025 Insect production is entering a new era of industrial scale and sustainability. Tebrio, a pioneer in mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) production, is taking a major step forward with the construction of oFarm—the world’s largest insect production facility. Set to become a benchmark in green biotechnology, circular economy, and automation, oFarm embodies Tebrio’s ambition to redefine sustainable protein production. In this interview, José Ángel Sanz, Head of Communications at Tebrio, discusses how this groundbreaking project will build on the company’s expertise, advance the insect protein industry, and set new global standards for efficiency, scalability, and environmental responsibility. Tebrio has long been a prominent player in mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) production, and in early 2025, you broke ground for the world's largest insect production farm. How does the construction of this new plant transform the company's expertise? The construction of our new plant, which will be the largest insect production farm in the world, represents a transformative step in our expertise. Currently, the civil works for the first modular building—an exact replica of future units—are nearing completion, with production having started in March 2025. This initial phase is crucial for identifying improvements that will optimize operations as the rest of the farm is built. The project allows Tebrio to scale up its technology and processes, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable Tenebrio molitor production with an annual capacity exceeding 100,000 tons. What will be the production capacity of this farm when it is fully operational? Compared to other insect production facilities around the world, what is the significance of this scale in the industry? The new plant, called oFarm, will be constructed in six phases over a total area of 90,000 square meters. It will generate 150 direct jobs and 1,350 indirect jobs, and is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, including being powered by 100% renewable solar energy. Compared to the current production scale of small insect farms worldwide, oFarm represents a clear before-and-after moment in the industry, significantly advancing production capacity, process optimization, and environmental INSIDE TEBRIO’S oFARM: World’s Largest Mealworm Production Facility Photo: Tebrio
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