The Bug Business: How to Start a New Industry

For those that are not familiar, the topic of eating bugs continues to grow every year. A variety of products from wholesale edible bugs, granola, crackers, and even cricket beer is being produced right here in Central Texas.

What are some of the challenges the edible insect industry has to overcome? How is Austin leading up this new sector in food business?

How are the regulations for bugs different from regular food? How to deal with the psychological taboos?

Where can get/use the right industrial Equipment? Why don’t copackers like us?

How should insects be presented on a plate?

Come join the Food + Tech Austin discussion about some of The Bug Business. No prior knowledge necessary, come with an open mind and curious palate.

@foodtechatx (http://twitter.com/foodtechatx) #FoodTechATX

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/7/b/4/600_438246068.jpeg

MENTOR PANEL

Education & Advocate
Dan, Little Herds

@LittleHerds (https://twitter.com/LittleHerds)

http://www.littleherds.org/

Food Business & Distribution
Jack, Hopper Foods

@HopperFoods (https://twitter.com/HopperFoods)

http://www.hopperatx.com/

Marketing & Crowdfunding
Leah Jones, Crickers Crackers

@TheRealCrickers (https://twitter.com/TheRealCrickers)

http://www.crickerscrackers.com/

Cooking with Bugs
Chef Rick Lopez

@LaCondesaAustin (https://twitter.com/LaCondesaAustin)

https://lacondesa.com/austin

MC and Host
Nathan Allen, Aspire Foods Group

@AspireFG (https://twitter.com/AspireFG)

http://aspirefg.com/

Startups

Sway Water - http://www.swaywater.com/ @swaywateratx (https://twitter.com/swaywateratx)

This Knish - http://thisknish.com/ @thisknish (https://twitter.com/thisknish)

Live Feedback Survey by www.lupoll.com (http://www.lupoll.com/)

Special Appearance from Wayden from Austin Chronicle demoing Bug Poop Tea.