© Tebrio
The startup’s founders, Adriana Casillas (CEO) and Sabas de Diego (CTO), were present at the site in Salamanca, which will occupy a total surface area of 90,000 square metres when its six phases are completed, five of them for breeding and one for processing. Production includes high quality protein and lipids for the production of animal feed products, 100 percent organic biofertilisers and chitosan, with applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and bioplastics sectors.
“We want to bring about 60 percent of the total production for feed for the aquaculture sector,” Casillas told The Fish Site.
The new factory, which will generate 150 direct jobs and 1,350 indirect jobs, is due to complete its first phase in the last quarter of 2025, and the construction of the entire project is expected to be completed in 2028. The cost of construction is projected to be €110 million.
Highly sustainable
The new plant will be powered by renewable sources and will triple its current percentage of energy self-sufficiency through the use of solar panels, which will provide 100 percent renewable solar energy.
Since its founding in 2014 Tebrio, which mainly uses low-value by-products from the cereal sector as a feedstock for the mealworms, has developed a zero waste model. With the new facility, Tebrio aims to achieve a negative carbon footprint.
“The construction of our new plant represents a milestone not only for Tebrio, but also for the entire biotechnology sector. This project reflects our vision to lead a shift towards a more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly industry. oFarm responds to the growing global demand for sustainable and 100% innovative solutions for the agri-food industry,” said Adriana Casillas.
Founded in Salamanca ten years ago, the biotech company was born from the dream of its founders, who began by buying two sacks of mealworms to raise them in their own home. Since then, they have transformed that first investment into a world-leading company.
The event was attended, among others, by Juan Cruz, Spain’s secretary of state for science, innovation and universities, Andrés Ubierna, María González Corral, minister of agriculture, livestock and rural development of the regional government of Castilla y León, and Carlos García-Carbayo, mayor of Salamanca. The former Salamanca, Spain and Real Madrid football coach Vicente del Bosque also attended as honorary sponsor of the new factory.
