Coop launches insect burger on the market
Burgers made from mealworms on the Coop shelves? Or dumplings made from vegetables and worms? These two products, developed and manufactured by the start-up Essento, will initially be available in a few selected supermarkets and at Coop@home from August 21.
By the end of the year, Coop will gradually expand the range to other sales outlets and products. "We have been working towards this goal for a long time and now the time has finally come: we are the first retailer in Switzerland to start selling Essento insect products," says a delighted Silvio Baselgia, Head of Category Management/Sourcing Fresh Produce at Coop.
The development of insect products
"As food, insects are convincing in many respects: they have high culinary potential, their production conserves resources, and their nutritional profile is high-quality," explains Christian Bärtsch, co-founder of Essento. "As such, insects are the perfect addition to the modern menu."
Essento Insect Burgers contain mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), rice and vegetables such as carrots, celery and leeks, as well as various spices such as oregano and chili. Bought ready to eat, they are ideal for preparing burgers in a bun with lettuce, sprouts and a fine sauce. Essento Insect Balls are composed of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and chickpeas, onions, garlic and spices such as coriander and parsley.
Sustainable potential draws
The sustainable and culinary potential of insects was key to Coop's decision to support the development of Essento's food innovation. "Essento brings together the pursuit of sustainable solutions," Baselgia said. "Our collaboration has been going on for three years and we will continue to work together to establish insects as a food in Switzerland."
Sales start from August 21
Essento insect products will be available in small quantities from August 21 in seven supermarkets in Zurich (Coop Sihlcity), Basel (Coop Südpark), Bern (Coop Megastore in Wankdorf), Winterthur (Coop Stadttor), Lugano (Coop Canobbio Resega), Lausanne (Coop Grancy) and Geneva (Coop Eaux-Vives), as well as at Coop@home.
The sale is to be extended on an ongoing basis to further salesbe extended throughout Switzerland. More information can be found at this Link ("Enjoying Insights in Switzerland").
