In Louis Alexander’s new pursuit of adventure, he has taken on a journey of reliance, perseverance, humility and most all, a powerful willingness to climb Western Europe's tallest mountain, Mont Blanc. The journey of gaining ground on such exponential height is one that requires rigorous training. To tell us more about his personal journey in the climb, Louis Alexander spoke with HOP about him pursuing a once in a lifetime opportunity to achieve a goal in conquering the mammoth heights of reaching Mont Blanc’ summit of 4,809m. After completing an exceptional row on the English Channel, Louis w ..read more

The Royal Entomological society is presenting its biennial insect week starting from June 20th - June 26th 2022. With past insect weeks endorsed by The Prince of Wales, it is clear to see that insects are continuing to play a vital role in both our lives and ecosystems than ever before. To mark the start of a week of entomological events and education, the Royal Entomological Society President, Professor Helen Roy MBE said “,Insects may be small, but they have a huge impact on people and nature. Insect science enriches our understanding and is fundamental to modern science. There are a wide ra ..read more

As the world becomes geared towards consuming more ecologically friendly products, the popularity and approval rating of vegetarian and vegan diets have increased, and with that, so too have alternative proteins such as edible insects. In recent years, progress in what we eat has seen around the world through the introduction of new foods such as plant based burgers and cricket based protein powder, and yet, as the new generations grow, it has been found that they are now, more than ever, inclined to change their eating habits to help the environment. Yet despite the willingness for change, a ..read more

To celebrate the planet that we call home, the UN is coming together to join forces on World Environment Day on June 5th 2022 with one motto, ,“We have only one earth. Let's take care of it.” World Environment Day was created 50 years ago at the 1972 UN human environment conference in Stockholm with the purpose to protect the earth and for us to come together as one community to prevent future environmental catastrophes. The presence of such a vital day comes at a crucial time, due to the fact that the world's natural resources and habitats are depleting, thus making the planet that we share ..read more

On June 15th 2022, the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) board will meet to discuss the Novel Food Applications Act to which edible insects are included. HOP, like many businesses alike, have been awaiting a decision from the Food Standards Agency in hopes of being given a blanket approval to trade across the UK. A recent statement from the FSA, said that ,“,The Food Standards Agency (FSA) took the responsibility of managing risks in the food chain from the EU. We inherited a list of permitted regulated products (e.g., food and feed additives) which are in EU retained law…. We are also responsible ..read more

A ripple in the new food system has allowed universities and students around the UK to study the benefits of edible insects. HOP is now leading the way forward with the UK’s first PhD research project in cricket powder protein which is co-supervised by HOP's co-founder, Dr Geoffrey Knott who said “it’s a great milestone….2 years' work in the making to get here.” Current studies have shown that “,one billion people presently experience inadequate protein intake and protein-energy malnutrition, resulting in impaired growth, development, and health.” With this sobering statistic highlighting the ..read more

Leveraging the global edible insect market to coincide with current market competitors is a new challenge facing businesses as they contend against long standing competitors like that of the meat market. As the economy continues to fluctuate with the turning tides of politics, it is no doubt that there are a number of economic parameters facing the edible insect market. In order to gain the upperhand in a volatile food market, the edible insect industry is having to go through both emerging economies which can allow periods of growth but also pass through a range of legislative hurdles which a ..read more

Through instantaneous rates of change in the modern world, our food habits and diets have changed along with our demand for food. With increasing user demands, there is an inherent need for change in the minds of many when it comes to combating food waste both in what we eat and what we purchase as ,“It’s estimated that around 60% of food waste comes from the home within the UK – with the other 40% being divided out between business and the hospitality industry.” In a recent study by Business Waste UK, it was found that “,While there are many provisions in place to reduce food waste, the UK pr ..read more

The lingering implication of Brexit has left its mark on thousands of business around the UK, especially within the edible insect market as “When the UK officially left the EU in early 2020, no transition had been agreed for the edible insects industry and, while traders in Europe were able to continue, UK traders were not.” In order to understand the implications of Brexit on the edible insect market, one must first ask the questions of ‘,how did we ever come to this,?’. HOP spoke to Rachel O’Connor, a partner in the agricultural team at Michelmores who specialises in “,providing delegates wi ..read more

HOP caught up with pioneering adventurer and world record holder, David Haze, to find out more about his latest challenge in circumnavigating the Isle of Wight to help raise awareness for ocean pollution. In his latest challenge, David Haze, took on the might of the Atlantic Ocean in a world first carbon neutral challenge. HOP spoke with David to find out more about the trials and tribulations in completing such an immense adventure. The first day at sea was one of adaptation for David Haze as he told HOP “before this challenge, I of course had been training on the board but the waters of the ..read more