Purpose

This study aims to explore the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the UK and to identify the impact of current regulation on the sector's development.

Design/methodology/approach

A significant proportion of edible insect-producing companies within the UK were identified through an online market research database and contacted via email to invite them to participate in this study. Phone interviews were conducted with ten companies. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.

Findings

There were five themes identified as barriers to the upscaling of the production for the edible insect sector in the UK: insect feeding materials, production capacity, expertise and knowledge, new product development and regulatory uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

This research was based on a qualitative study. Further quantitative research is needed to test the extent of the impact of these five themes on upscaling production capacity. In addition to production capacity, marketing and consumers' acceptance, culture and behaviour can also be considered in future studies.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing insight on the barriers to upscaling production capacity in the edible insect sector.

中文翻译：

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探索扩大英国食用昆虫部门生产能力的障碍

目的

这项研究旨在探讨提高英国食用昆虫部门生产能力的障碍，并确定当前法规对该部门发展的影响。

设计/方法/方法

通过在线市场研究数据库确定了英国相当数量的食用昆虫生产公司，并通过电子邮件与他们联系以邀请他们参加这项研究。对十家公司进行了电话采访。采用主题分析进行数据分析。

发现

有五个主题被认为是英国食用昆虫部门生产规模扩大的障碍：昆虫饲料原料，生产能力，专业知识和知识，新产品开发和监管不确定性。

研究局限/意义

这项研究基于定性研究。需要进一步的定量研究来测试这五个主题对扩大产能的影响程度。除了生产能力之外，在未来的研究中还可以考虑营销和消费者的接受度，文化和行为。

创意/价值

通过深入研究可食用昆虫部门扩大生产能力的障碍，这项研究为文献做出了重大贡献。