Some cultures are known for incorporating bugs into their cuisine, but candied bee larvae is likely a delicacy you have not heard of before. While some are concerned about Colony Collapse Disorder and the environmental effects of bee extinction, others are canning the larva of bees and wasps as an edible treat.
Nagano Prefecture in Japan is an area with a reputation of consuming insects as a food source. The Nagano Hachinoko Candied Bee Larvae have high nutritional value and come in a 65g tin with a retro "Showa" style package. The larvae are sweetened with soy sauce and sugar, which also act as a preservative so the product will last for up to three years.
Candied Bee Larvae
This Japanese Tinned Treat is Sweetened with Soy Sauce As Well As Sugar
Trend Themes
1. Edible Insects - The rising popularity of insect-based food products such as candied bee larvae offers an opportunity for food companies to experiment with new and unconventional ingredients.
2. Sustainable Food Sourcing - With concerns over Colony Collapse Disorder and the environmental impact of bee extinction, there is a growing market for sustainably sourced insect-based products, incorporating ethical and environmentally-friendly practices.
3. Alternative Preservation Methods - The use of soy sauce and sugar as a preservative in the Nagano Hachinoko Candied Bee Larvae demonstrates an opportunity for businesses to explore alternative food preservation methods beyond traditional methods, offering consumers longer lasting products that do not rely on chemicals.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore the potential growth opportunities presented by incorporating insect-based products such as candied bee larvae into their portfolio.
2. Sustainability - The sustainability sector can leverage the market growth potential of insect-based food products, developing effective supply chains that focus on ethical and environmentally-responsible sourcing, production, and distribution.
3. Preservation Technology - The preservation technology industry can research and develop alternative preservation methods that are environmentally-friendly, sustainable, and effective in preserving food products, including those that are insect-based.