Bodega Sommos Advances Circular Economy by Using Grape Pomace to Enrich Insect-Based Animal Feed
Bodega Sommos collaborates with research and industry partners to repurpose grape pomace into enhanced insect-based animal feed, pushing forward circular economy and sustainability goals.
- • Bodega Sommos works with University of Zaragoza and Bugcle Bioindustrias on circular economy project using grape pomace.
- • The project aims to improve nutritional value of Tenebrio molitor larvae for fish feed.
- • Grape pomace is combined with dehydrated yeast and carrots to feed larvae in experiments.
- • Research explores potential human consumption of mealworm byproducts due to antioxidant and lipid benefits.
Key details
Bodega Sommos is spearheading a circular economy research project in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza and Bugcle Bioindustrias to enhance animal feed nutrition through the innovative use of grape pomace, a winemaking byproduct. The project, funded by the University of Zaragoza and involving the Center for Research and Technology in Agro-food of Aragon (CITA), aims to improve the nutritional profile of Tenebrio molitor larvae—commonly used in fish feed—by integrating grape pomace with dehydrated yeast and carrots.
Diego Mur, Marketing Director at Sommos, emphasized the winery's role by supplying grape pomace, typically discarded after harvest, for experimental compound development. This approach aims to turn what would be waste into a valuable resource. Lead researcher Montserrat Martínez highlighted that beyond animal feed, the project will explore the potential for mealworm byproducts to be used for human consumption due to their antioxidant properties and favorable lipid profile.
The multi-stakeholder effort includes insect breeding and processing managed by Bugcle Bioindustrias, with JustBug providing breeding services, and research conducted by the University of Zaragoza's Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences. Running until November, the initiative reflects Sommos' strong commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles in the agro-food sector, supporting waste valorization and resource optimization. Sommos also connects these efforts to broader sustainability goals outlined by the Costa Group, aiming to tackle global challenges in food production and waste management through innovation.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.