What is Cricket? A Portuguese Food Biotechnology Company
Cricket is a Portuguese food biotechnology company with a bold vision: to create the foods of the future using the resources of today — intelligently, functionally, and sustainably. At its core, Cricket transforms crickets (Acheta domesticus) into high-performance ingredients that offer real benefits for both human health and the planet. It’s not just about protein; it’s about innovation that respects nature and pushes the boundaries of food science.
The Main Benefit: High-Performance Food Solutions
Cricket focuses on developing food solutions that do more than just fill plates. These solutions aim to improve health and regenerate the planet. Here are some key facts that highlight their impact:
- Cricket protein concentrate is authorized for human consumption in the European Union.
- Ingredients include protein isolate, cricket oil, chitin fiber, and frass (organic fertilizer).
- All products are designed with sustainability and quality at the forefront.
- The company’s mission centers on health improvement and ecological balance.
- Cricket’s approach combines science, nature, and purpose seamlessly.
The Story Behind Cricket: Science Meets Nature
The story of Cricket began with a simple yet powerful idea: unite science, nature, and purpose to create transformative food solutions. It’s a journey fueled by technical expertise, a passion for nutrition, and a deep commitment to the environment. Starting with a cricket-based protein concentrate, Cricket has expanded its focus to fractionate and maximize the potential of cricket biomass — from protein to oil and fiber. The goal? To deliver innovative ingredients that make a positive impact on health and sustainability.
Meet the Team Driving Innovation
Behind Cricket’s groundbreaking work is a diverse team of experts dedicated to pushing the limits of food biotechnology. From CEO José Gonçalves to researchers specializing in entomology, animal production, food technology, biology, and biotechnology, the team blends knowledge and passion. Each member plays a crucial role in developing high-performance solutions that align with the company’s values of innovation, transparency, and scientific responsibility.
Cricket’s Core Values: Guiding Every Step
At the heart of Cricket’s mission lies a set of core values that shape every decision and innovation:
- Innovation with Purpose: Creating meaningful advancements in food technology.
- Respect for Nature: Ensuring sustainability and ecological balance.
- Scientific Responsibility: Grounding developments in rigorous research.
- Nutritional Excellence: Delivering ingredients that truly benefit health.
- Transparency and Trust: Building open, honest relationships.
- Vision for the Future: Always looking ahead to what’s next.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger — by providing sustainable, nutrient-rich food sources.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — through high-performance nutritional ingredients.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — by promoting sustainable food biotechnology.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — reducing environmental impact with eco-friendly practices.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Contact and Location
Cricket operates from the Escola Superior Agrária de Santarém, located at Quinta do Galinheiro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal. For inquiries, the company can be reached at +351 917 020 710 or via email at info@thecricket.pt. This connection to an academic environment underscores Cricket’s commitment to research and innovation, blending education with cutting-edge biotechnology to shape the future of food.
