Part 2: Community Voices from BSFCON 2025

The conversation didn’t stop when BSFCON 2025 wrapped up in Cambridge. Over the weekend, more attendees shared reflections that deepen the picture of where the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) industry stands today.

At SoldierFlyHub, we’ve curated these additional voices — spanning China, Africa, Europe, industry newcomers, and academic researchers — to capture what the community itself sees as the most pressing challenges and opportunities.

🌏 Global & Regional Perspectives

Augustine Ogee (Nigeria/UK, Proganics)
Highlighted Africa’s role in the global BSF narrative. Key takeaways: customer-centricity, transparency, sustainability, and storytelling as tools to build trust and market adoption.

“Africa has a unique role to play in shaping the global BSF narrative, and we are ready to lead that conversation.”

Ruilong Zheng (Netherlands / China, FlyLong)
Shared candid insights on the Chinese market: cautious investors, product prices often below fishmeal, contested catering waste (~€50/t in some regions), and intense competition. Despite challenges, the sector is “booming” in line with national strategy.

“Even in difficult conditions, growth is possible… with the right strategy and collaboration, we can keep moving forward.”

💰 Industry & Business Reflections

Natasha Makin (Adams and Green, UK)
Reflections from a first-time attendee, focusing on enthusiasm, learning, and curiosity.

“I came away with many questions — which is the best thing, to look further and learn further.”

Amy Hooper (Biffa, UK)
Emphasized the waste management perspective: standardization, commercial readiness, transparency, and regulation as catalysts.

“Transparency and quality data are vital — not just for fostering trust, but to ensure insect bioconversion is deployed where it delivers the most value.”

Mark Richardson (UK, BSF Specialist)
Called for stronger global representation, better bridges between industry and academia, and structured investor engagement.

“If the message is collaboration, we need mechanisms that actually connect these groups.”

Jarna Hyvönen (Volare, Finland)
First-time attendee, shared enthusiasm for the mix of research, commercialization, and business models. Co-panelist on financing.

“There’s something special about a gathering in a new industry — shared headaches, successes, and a sense of purpose.”

🔬 Academic & Research Insights

Gianluca Tettamanti (University of Insubria, Italy)
Reflected on the importance of dedicated BSF conferences, optimism despite challenges in Europe, and the rapid growth of BSF research fields.

“Collaboration and open exchange of knowledge are proving to be the keys to advancing both research and entrepreneurship.”

Roel Meyermans (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Presented on repurposing microbiome sequencing data to analyze BSF genomic diversity. Recognized with a Young Researcher and Innovator Grant.

“Existing datasets can unlock new insights into BSF genetics.”

🙌 Closing Thought

Together, these community voices confirm the diversity of the BSF sector: some focused on markets, others on science, others on building bridges. What unites them is a shared sense that collaboration, transparency, and innovation will determine how fast the industry scales in the coming years.