Exploring the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the United Kingdom
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 15 December 2020
Issue publication date: 22 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the UK and to identify the impact of current regulation on the sector's development.
Design/methodology/approach
A significant proportion of edible insect-producing companies within the UK were identified through an online market research database and contacted via email to invite them to participate in this study. Phone interviews were conducted with ten companies. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.
Findings
There were five themes identified as barriers to the upscaling of the production for the edible insect sector in the UK: insect feeding materials, production capacity, expertise and knowledge, new product development and regulatory uncertainty.
Research limitations/implications
This research was based on a qualitative study. Further quantitative research is needed to test the extent of the impact of these five themes on upscaling production capacity. In addition to production capacity, marketing and consumers' acceptance, culture and behaviour can also be considered in future studies.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing insight on the barriers to upscaling production capacity in the edible insect sector.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are very much thankful to anonymous referees for their valuable suggestions and comments which significantly helped us to make this paper more valuable and easily understandable.
Citation
Yang, Y. and Cooke, C. (2021), "Exploring the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the United Kingdom", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 4, pp. 1531-1545. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-04-2020-0310
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited