UAE – The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), supermarket chain Spinneys, and Circa Biotech have announced an expanded strategic partnership to tackle food waste and bolster sustainable agriculture. 

This collaboration aims to transform surplus food into agricultural feed using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae.

This is a timely collaboration as the Black Soldier Fly Market size is poised to grow from USD 240.66 million in 2023 to USD 3285.39 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 33.7% in the forecast period (2024-2031), according to SkyQuest Technology. 

The initiative has proven its efficacy after a successful six-month trial at select Spinneys stores in Abu Dhabi, which saw a 54% reduction in food waste sent to landfills. 

Instead of contributing to landfill mass, the food waste was diverted to Circa Biotech, where it was processed into highly nutritious, protein-rich animal feed, organic fertilizers, and sustainable biofuel.

The success of this trial has led to the project’s expansion to encompass all Spinneys stores in Abu Dhabi. 

This broader implementation aims to address the ongoing issue of food waste while simultaneously creating new opportunities for sustainable resource management within the UAE’s agricultural sector.

Omar Ali Al Shammari, executive director of ADAFSA’s strategy and policies sector, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that ADAFSA is delighted to partner with Spinneys in this groundbreaking initiative to address food waste and promote sustainable agriculture in the UAE. 

By harnessing innovative solutions such as the use of black soldier fly larvae, we can significantly enhance resource efficiency and contribute to developing a more resilient food system. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure food security and sustainability for present and future generations.”

The use of BSF larvae is particularly noteworthy for its alignment with the UAE’s sustainability goals. By converting organic waste into valuable agricultural feed, the project minimizes its environmental footprint and promotes the development of a circular economy.

Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “We are thrilled to pioneer this transformative partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. At Spinneys, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability across our operations. By harnessing the potential of the insect feed project, we are not only reducing food waste but also creating valuable resources for agriculture, thus advancing towards a more sustainable future for the UAE.

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