 |
|
|
|
|
Summary of full report
A Feasibility Study into
the Commercialisation of Witchetty Grubs
By B R Rich
November 2006
RIRDC Publication No 06/109 RIRDC Project No QUT-7A
What the report is about
Interest in Australian bush
tucker is still strong and the bush tucker food sector is still expanding.
One of the notable items within this food sector is the witchetty grub, which is regarded as a delicacy by Aboriginal people who ate them either raw or roasted.
This study looks at the feasibility of establishing a commercial witchetty grub production facility.
Such a facility would help extend the bush tucker food segment and contribute to the development of the Australian cuisine concept.
Who the report is targeted
at
This report is targeted
at investors or people interested in developing the bush tucker industry.
The report attempts to highlight some of the requirements and considerations needed for establishing a commercial witchetty grub production facility.
Background
The witchetty grub has traditionally
been used by indigenous Australians as a valuable food source, as a soother
for teething infants and as a treatment for eye sores or open wounds. The
witchetty grub is widely known as a bush tucker food item, but as yet no
commercial production facility exists. This study looks at some of the
issues associated with establishing a viable facility.
The front sections of this report deal with the biology of the Cossidae family and compositional data of witchetty grubs. It then proceeds to address the type of facilities required to establish a commercial entity. Finally the report looks at the financial viability of such a venture.
Aims/Objectives
The study set out to determine
the feasibility of the establishment of a commercial production and processing
facility by providing data to inform commercial decision making by potential
investors or developers.
It set out to establish some of the attributes of witchetty grubs such as the nutritional composition of witchetty grubs, and to identify resource requirements and production strategies for a commercial operation. Preliminary market demand was included as part of the potential of such an establishment.
Methods used
A desk top study was used
to establish biological data, regulatory requirements and nutritional/compositional
data.
Interviews and site visits to an operating insect production facility were used to establish facility requirements and identify major issues associated with establishing a commercial facility.
A financial model was then applied to determine the level of viability of such an endeavour.
Results/Key findings
During the conduct of the
study it became evident that success of a commercial facility is centred
on the development of a suitable diet that will allow rapid and continuous
larval growth to occur.
Although facility requirements are relatively simple and capital requirements could be applied in an incremental development manner, caution is needed. Market establishment activities are required and preferably relationships with outlets or brokers established before any significant capital commitment is made.
As the length of time to market at this stage is considerable it has been suggested that more than one product be pursued in order to spread the degree of risk and generate revenue in a timely manner.
Implications for relevant
stakeholders
The development of a commercial
witchetty grub production facility and market share establishment will
not occur quickly. Relevant permits and licenses will need to be obtained.
As it is being suggested in this study that other bush tucker insect products
could also be included relevant permits and licenses for these other species
would also be required.
A cautious approach is needed as market establishment, especially the export market sector, is developed. As a commercial entity would be a relatively novel one policy development and/or compliance requirements may require review.
Recommendations
That a detailed business
plan be completed before any commercial investment is made.
Discussions with research organisations be initiated in order to develop a suitable diet that would support maximum growth rates in a timely manner.
|