Key Takeaways
- MYGroup has partnered with insect genetics company Beta Bugs to supply Black Soldier Fly (BSF) eggs for its Insectology™ food waste treatment process.
- A new in-house BSF breeding and hatching facility will be established at MYGroup’s site in South Milford, UK.
- The agreement ensures a consistent supply of high-quality BSF eggs and neonates, completing MYGroup’s end-to-end bioconversion system.
- Beta Bugs brings genetic expertise and breeding capacity, including its proprietary HiPer-Fly® and Just-Fly™ lines.
- The partnership supports circular economy solutions and the scaling of insect bioconversion as a sustainable waste and protein strategy.
MYGroup and Beta Bugs Establish BSF Breeding Facility
Joint venture completes MYGroup’s Insectology™ system with integrated egg supply
MYGroup has entered into a joint venture with UK-based biotechnology company Beta Bugs Ltd to secure a reliable supply of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) eggs for its food waste bioconversion system, Insectology™. The collaboration includes the construction of a new breeding and hatching facility at MYGroup’s South Milford site, near Leeds, where BSF larvae will be raised and used to reduce food waste volumes.
The facility is intended to support vertical integration of the BSF supply chain within MYGroup’s operations, ensuring consistent egg availability and enabling full control over the production process.
Genetic Expertise Supports Bioconversion Efficiency
Beta Bugs provides high-performance BSF breeds and hatchery capabilities
Beta Bugs will serve as the exclusive BSF egg supplier for MYGroup. The company specializes in BSF genetics and supplies high-performance breeds such as HiPer-Fly® and Just-Fly™. Beta Bugs will also expand its breeding capacity to meet demand from this and other projects across the UK.
“As a specialist insect genetics company, this model of collaboration confirms our belief that combined efforts between insect genetic companies and partner-producers… are what will enable this industry to upscale and take flight,” said Thomas Farrugia, CEO and Founder of Beta Bugs.
The integration of selective breeding and hatchery expertise is expected to optimize MYGroup’s Insectology™ process by enhancing productivity and product consistency.
Addressing Food Waste and Protein Alternatives
Bioconversion offers scalable solutions to reduce waste and support sustainability
The joint venture responds to increasing interest in circular economy models and sustainable protein sources. In the UK, over 9 million tonnes of food waste are generated annually, with only 20% currently recycled. Insect bioconversion — which uses BSF larvae to consume and metabolize food waste — has been shown to reduce waste volumes by up to 75% in less than 10 days, producing byproducts such as protein meal and organic fertilizer.
Steve Carrie, Group Director at MYGroup, commented: “With the vertical integration of egg supply directly into our Insectology process… we’re able to ensure optimal quality, reliability, and transparency at every stage.”
