AgriProtein operated as a sustainability-focused biotech venture with presence in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. However, the company entered administration in February 2021 when its parent company, Insect Technology Group, faced critical financial distress; assets were subsequently acquired by Prezero U.S. in June 2021, effectively ending independent operations.
Cyborg Score Rationale
AgriProtein ceased independent operations in 2021 after overambitious expansion plans, high operating costs, COVID-19 supply-chain disruptions, and inability to compete on price against conventional feed ingredients. The company is no longer an active standalone entity as of June 2026.
Top Insights
Entered administration February 2021; assets acquired by Prezero U.S. in June 2021 — company no longer operates independently
Overextended globally: sought 100 factories by 2024, 200 by 2027; actual capability supported only 2-3 active facilities
COVID-19 devastated feedstock supply (restaurant closures disrupted food waste sourcing) and exposed labor-intensive operational model
Pricing pressure from cheaper conventional ingredients (soy, fishmeal) and high fixed costs ($38.9M loss in 2019) eroded commercial viability
Named Competitors
Ynsect — European insect protein producer; more automated operations