Maltento, a Cape Town-based company leading the charge in insect biotechnology, has unveiled a game-changing addition to its black soldier fly breeding facility – a fully equipped, world-class laboratory.
This investment marks a giant leap forward for Maltento’s mission to revolutionize the pet food industry with their sustainable and scientifically superior insect-based protein source, PALATE+.
“The new lab represents a significant stride for Maltento,” says Ryan Ponquett, lead scientist at the company.
“It’s a platform to expand our research on the power of insect biotechnology and solidify Maltento’s position as a global leader in the functional ingredient and sustainability space. With this investment, we’re developing PALATE+, a pet food ingredient that’s not only demonstrably better for our furry companions but also far more sustainable for the planet.”
Developing cutting-edge products
This exciting announcement follows the successful validation trial of PALATE+ in the demanding United States market, a testament to Maltento’s ability to compete on the global stage and a beacon of South African innovation.
“We’re incredibly proud to be developing cutting-edge products and flying the South African flag so prominently in this highly competitive arena,” adds Dominic Malan, commercial director at Maltento.
Malan reflects on Maltento’s remarkable journey, from its humble beginnings to a world-class facility.
“It’s a privilege to stand in this state-of-the-art lab, a true symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication of our entire Maltento team. It’s also a powerful message to all South African business owners and visionaries – anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.”
Beyond innovation, Maltento embodies a deep commitment to South Africa. The company is a strong advocate for leading sustainability practices and is at the forefront of insect biotechnology, a field with immense potential.
They are also dedicated to creating permanent and purposeful jobs for highly qualified bio-science graduates in Cape Town, fostering a skilled workforce within the local community.
These advancements come on the heels of Maltento’s ground-breaking initiative to transform South Africa’s recycling landscape. They use black soldier fly larvae to convert agro-processing waste, including spent grains from the beer industry, into high-performance, nutrient-dense proteins and oils specifically designed for pet and aquaculture feed.
“We utilise spent brewers’ grain as a primary food source for the fly larvae at our Cape Town Fly Farm,” explains Ponquett. “This ingenious approach doesn’t just dispose of waste – it actually enriches the larvae’s natural ability to produce functional proteins, healthy fats, and essential amino acids. The result? Mature larvae become an ideal protein substitute for the meat derivatives commonly found in pet food today.”
But the benefits extend far beyond protein production.
“Soldier fly larvae also generate frass, a valuable by-product formed through the breakdown of the spent brewery grains,” says Ponquett. “This frass holds significant nutritional value and serves as an excellent composted soil amendment. By incorporating frass into soil, we can enhance fertility, build plant immunity, promote nutrient cycling, and improve overall soil structure.”
Maltento’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond waste reduction and eco-friendly production methods. The company prioritises the welfare of the black soldier Flies themselves. Unlike traditional factory farming practices, Maltento’s fly breeding operation uses a stress-free, humane approach that ensures optimal fly health and protein production.
ALSO READ: Why a fly management programme is a must for farmers
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