BESTMIX Recipe Management isn’t just an indispensable tool for feed, food, and pet food producers — it also adds huge value for their suppliers. Take, for example, the innovative scale-up HiproMine, which is helping to create the feed of the future using insect protein.
Feed materials made from insect biomass are relatively new to the European market but they are rapidly gaining in popularity. One innovative emerging company is the Polish scale-up HiproMine, which produces several products based on Hermetia illucens (the black soldier fly). The company, founded in 2015, has achieved full vertical integration of the production process — from genetic material to final product. HiproMine is already supplying companies across Europe, mainly small- and medium-sized producers of premium pet food and feed for fish farming, as well as livestock and horticulture. It offers the products as fresh meats, meals for pets, oil products, and insect frass.
Added value of insect protein
That insect proteins have a lot to offer these sectors is beyond question, according to nutritionist Dr Katarzyna Chilomer: “Insects are a very good source of fat and protein, which are essential nutrients for all animal species. Obtaining protein from insects is more environmentally friendly than from traditional animal species. By using only natural raw materials, we obtain the best products, with no antibiotics and no effect from GMOs or substances that could pose a threat to the health and life of animals. Our breeding guarantees minimum water consumption and negligible carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional protein sources.”
Dual use
Dr Chilomer previously worked at a global player in the pig feed market. “I worked with BESTMIX there and, based on that fruitful experience, considered it the best option when it came to choosing formulation software for HiproMine.”
Dr Chilomer envisions a dual use for the software. “First, we use BESTMIX Recipe Management for the composition of the feed for our insects. But we also see it as a very useful tool for assisting our customers. It allows us to demonstrate that although the purchase price of our ingredients is slightly higher than conventional protein sources, the high nutritional content reduces the final price tag. The intention is that our sales reps will use BESTMIX Recipe Management to help our customers achieve the optimal, most cost-effective and sustainable recipe.”
Agile and efficient
Dr Chilomer says that BESTMIX Recipe Management makes a difference in many areas. “The Multiblend functionality allows us to easily manage our recipes, make quick adjustments, and integrate price optimizations. And the software makes it easy to switch quickly when we’re introducing new raw materials and nutrients. BESTMIX Recipe Management generates all the necessary labels and certificates as part of the process.”
HiproMine works with both dry and wet products. “The moisture content obviously has a major influence on the final result,” says Dr Chilomer. “BESTMIX Recipe Management includes that parameter throughout the formulation process, so we always have the optimal nutritional balance for the final product. Finally, the ease of use is also worth mentioning. The software gives me complete freedom to achieve the best recipes for ourselves and our customers. And whenever a question comes up, BESTMIX’s consultants are always ready to advise and assist.”
Bright future ahead
HiproMine is reaching more and more customers in Europe. Given the increasing global need for more sustainable sources of protein, the company is chasing a fast-growing market. “The goal is to create a global brand and to gain a significant share of the global protein and fat market,” says associate professor Damian Józefiak, one of the founders of HiproMine. “We want to further scale up our production and convince small producers of premium pet food and fodder for fish farming, as well as livestock and horticulture, of the power of our products. BESTMIX Recipe Management plays an important role in achieving that goal.”
This project was succesfully implemented and is followed up by BESTMIX Dsitributor ANET
