This study covers the latent demand outlook for edible insects across the regions of China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang – Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter known as “regions”). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of “economic population”, as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this “economic” definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city’s marketing and distribution value vis-à-vis others. This exercise is moderately useful for persons setting up distribution centers or sales force strategies. The use of econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each region and city of influence, latent demand estimates are created for edible insects. This report does not discuss the specific players available in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not believe short-term cyclicalities that might have an effect on realized sales. The study, subsequently, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.
In this report we define the sales of edible insects as including all commonly understood products falling within this broad category, irrespective of product packaging, formulation, size, or form. Companies participating in this industry include Beetle Jelly, Bug Foundation, Crickster, Deli Bugs, Ltd., Eat Grub, Ltd., EddieBug, Ento TEch, ENTOTECH, Enviro Flight, Exo, Gran Mitla, Haocheng, Insectables, Insecteo, Kreca Ento – Food BV, Nordic Insect Economy, Proti – Farm, and Thailand Unique. Along with the sources indicated, additional information available to the public via news and/or press releases published by players in the industry was considered in defining and calibrating this category. All figures are in a common currency (U.S. dollars, millions) and don’t seem to be adjusted for inflation (i.e., they are current values). Exchange rates used to convert to U.S. dollars are averages for the year in question. Future exchange rates are assumed to be constant one day at the current level (the average of the year of this publication’s release in 2022).
