Agronutris, a French pioneer in insect farming and processing for protein, announces a decisive step in its development with the entry of La Compagnie des Insectes, which joins Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers dedicated to responsible investment, and the Lagarde family with NUTRITION BIOLOGIE INTERNATIONAL among the company’s shareholders.
This transaction, finalized in September 2025, enables Agronutris to regain financial stability, ensure the continuation of its industrial activity at the Rethel (Ardennes) site, and preserve jobs. It also marks a strategic turning point for consolidating a French industrial insect sector, with significant environmental impact and high added value for agricultural and food transition.
La Compagnie des Insectes: A Strategic Industrial Partner to Accelerate Scale-Up
La Compagnie des Insectes is a French player positioned as an integrator of the insect sector, with an industrial approach covering the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream. The company specializes in breeding the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens), designs and develops production projects in France and internationally, and benefits from support from the France 2030 program.
Mirova has supported Agronutris since 2021. Its ongoing commitment demonstrates its conviction in the potential of the insect sector and Agronutris’s ability to become a structuring player.
Agronutris: A Leading Company in a Promising Market
Agronutris is the only French company to have systematically bred three insect species: cricket, mealworm, and black soldier fly. It was also the first to obtain authorization to market insects for human consumption.
It has successfully scaled up to industrial production at its Rethel site, with output destined for aquaculture and pet food markets, following a circular economy model that valorizes local agro-industrial co-products. The arrival of La Compagnie des Insectes as a shareholder allows the company to scale up, diversify its outlets, and strengthen its industrial presence in France.
The insect sector is considered by the FAO1 as one of the most promising solutions to the challenges of sustainable food2. In Europe, it enjoys strong public and private support, with over €1.5 billion invested in recent years3. By 2030, European production could reach 870,000 tonnes, generating €3.2 billion in revenue, about half of which from protein meal1.
By promoting the valorization of co-products, reducing dependence on imported proteins, and relocating production, this sector helps reduce the environmental footprint of our food while creating value in local territories.
“Thanks to the arrival of La Compagnie des Insectes and the ongoing support of Mirova, we are entering a new phase of development with confidence. This transaction marks a strategic turning point for Agronutris and for the entire insect sector in France. Together, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive, and impactful industrial model.”
Cédric Auriol
CEO, Agronutris
“We firmly believe in the potential of the insect sector to address food, environmental, and sovereignty challenges. By joining Agronutris, we aim to help structure an ambitious French industrial sector capable of shining at the European level.”
Sébastien Couasnet
President, La Compagnie des insectes
“Since 2021, we have supported Agronutris with rigor and conviction. This new step confirms our commitment to supporting companies that sustainably transform their sector. The insect sector embodies a concrete response to ecological transition, food resilience, and reindustrialization challenges.”
Marc Romano
Managing Director, Impact Private Equity, Mirova