Join Fera experts & guests in conversation for science, insights & applications of insect bioconversion at Fera’s free webinar series running from March to September 2023 (see more details below).

During this second webinar, Fera experts and guests explore the potential of Insect Bioconversion to contribute to a consistent and sustainable supply of protein for petfood manufacturers and their customers.

  • Insect protein – is it available at consistent quality and scale for pet food use?
  • What are the characteristics of Insect protein & why is it suited to pet food?
  • What is allowed now – and possible in the future?
  • What do distributors, retailers and customers think?

Fera’s Dr Maureen Wakefield, scientist and project lead for Fera’s Insect Research Laboratory and Jess Barker, Business Development Lead and Phil Smith Head of Sales for Fapas®, are in conversation with Denise Saber Founder of petfood manufacturer Percuro Pet Food, John Chitty RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, Harry Bremner Founder of dog food start-up Tuggs and Michael Bellingham Chief Executive of the trade organisation UK Petfood, on the current and potential inclusion of Insect protein and other products from Insect Bioconversion for pet food manufacturers, retailers and customers.

Dr Maureen Wakefield - Scientist & Project Lead, Fera With over 30 years of experience as an entomologist, Maureen is a specialist in insect bioconversion and its applications, including using insects as a sustainable source of protein. Maureen will share her expertise on the benefits of this innovative technology for developing high-quality pet food products. Maureen is passionate about sustainability and the potential of insect bioconversion to transform the food industry.

Jess Barker - Business Development Lead, Fera With over a decade of experience, Jess works closely with clients to develop and implement insect bioconversion strategies that deliver value and measurable outcomes. She is passionate about promoting the benefits of insect bioconversion and helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Phil Smith - Head of Business Development, Fapas® Phil has over 30 years’ experience in proficiency testing services in microbiology and analytical chemistry. He has worked extensively with multi-national food companies to create custom proficiency testing schemes in these areas, as well as physical testing. He is also part of the new product development team within the Fapas® Proficiency Testing business at Fera.

Denise Saber - Founder of Percuro Pet Food After a 30 year career in investment and finance, Denise founded Percuro Petford, developing her own healthy and sustainable dog food brand using larvae farmed in the Netherlands.

John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed CBiol MRSB MRCVS - Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine John provides consultancy and advisory services to zoo collections and Local Authorities and has previously had his own veterinary practice in Hampshire. John has published numerous publications and textbooks on a variety of species and is currently the Hon Secretary and trustee of the charity Vetlife.

Harry Bremner - Founder & CEO of Tuggs Harry launched Tuggs, an award-winning dog food start-up creating freshly-prepared dog food in a sustainable way, in 2022. An entrepreneur and graduate from St Andrew's University, Harry undertook further study at the University College of London (UCL) where he developed his idea for insect-based dog food and his start-up company.

Michael Bellingham - Chief Executive of UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) Michael joined UK Pet Food 2004. As well as looking after the Executive Committee, which has financial and strategic oversight of UK Pet Food, Michael also runs the Fish, Bird and Small Animal Groups. Michael has a degree in Politics from Durham University and is a Postgrad in European Studies from South Bank University.

Have your questions & comments ready as there will be plenty of opportunity for attendees to interact and join the conversation.

For those unfamiliar with Insect Bioconversion here’s a link to get you started: https://www.fera.co.uk/insect-bioconversion-reforming-the-food-system

Who should attend this webinar?

  • All involved with resourcing for, production, sales and promotion of all forms of pet food – dogs, cats and exotics
  • Insect businesses selling or planning to sell in to the pet food/exotic sectors
  • Those responsible for managing sustainability, environmental impact and ESG credentials of companies involved.
  • Veterinarians and other advisers advising/managing pets/exotics for customers and businesses e.g. zoos.

Explore with Fera the potential of Insects for your sector, its products and customers. Register today to reserve your place and find out more information about the remainder of the webinar series.

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