Insect meal could feasibly act as a viable alternative protein source in aquaculture feeds, according to Danish firm BioMar, which just wrapped a series of feed trials experimenting with black soldier flies, mealworms, and other bug-based raw materials.
The Brande, Denmark-based company, which develops and supplies high-performance feed to the global aquaculture industry, announced on 23 April that it had completed testing various insect meals –the culmination of a process that began in 2017. The firm’s research and development team worked with BioMar’s aquaculture clientele to test feeding fish on diets containing insect meal, and was met with promising results.
“We have good test results on insect meal originating from black soldier flies, mealworms and others, which makes it a promising raw material,” said Michel Autin, the technical director at BioMar’s EMEA division, in a press release.
Fish fed with insect-based feed during the trials have already made their way into European supermarkets, with “retailers eager to implement future-oriented food solutions that focus on natural foods,” BioMar said. Autin confirmed that seafood weaned on insect meal has unique market potential.
“Innovation of course comes at a cost, but farmers who are the first movers with insect meal will benefit from a strong market position. Insect meal has a future as an alternative protein source in aquaculture feeds if the price of this new raw material can be kept at reasonable limits,” Autin said.
The raw material innovations currently underway for BioMar – the firm is looking into ingredients like algae oil and single cell proteins in addition to insect meal – cater to current consumer interests, as cited by research company Deloitte, for natural food choices that have a minimal impact on nature.
“BioMar has the capabilities to offer innovative seafood solutions that will help consumers who are in search for healthy and wholesome “back to nature” products that are also mindful of the environment. This is where insect meal can play a role,” the company said.
“What is important here is the ability to identify the opportunities and consumer trends and the capability to craft the solution with the right combination of ingredients and technology know how,” BioMar added.
Several collaborations between BioMar and its seafood supplier customers have transpired over recent years, leading to the establishment of brands directly shaped by consumer needs and expectations. One of these multi-pronged efforts, In the Blue, involved aquaculture producers Kavøry and Blue Circle Foods, alongside retailer Whole Foods Market and BioMar teaming up to create a sustainable salmon product that appealed to overarching wellness interests.
“All of us – Kvaroy, BioMar and Blue Circle Foods – were looking for ways to produce a healthier fish; one that has less contaminants and more omega-3s. That’s really where the idea came from,” David Pilat, vice-president of business development for Blue Circle Foods, told SeafoodSource back in May 2018, when the product launched. “You need a truly innovative farmer like Kvaroy and an innovative feed company like BioMar to make that happen because it is always risky when you change feeds.”
Another similar collaboration between BioMar and supplier Vertisqueros saw the creation of a premium Pacific coho salmon product, which caters to developing sustainability trends.
“We are very excited see this type of development in the Chilean industry aiming to cover the new trends in sustainable products in the market, all the more when we are acting as a catalyst of it,” said Eduardo Hagedorn, managing director of BioMar Chile, in 2017, when Silverside Premium Pacific Salmon – which utilizes BioMar Group’s AlgaPrime DHA – was first coming to market.
A “lifetime in the industry” leads David Whyte back to BioMar
In addition to bulking up its portfolio with more alternative protein sources for feeds, BioMar has also expanded its leadership team in Australia, appointing seasoned marine biologist David Whyte as managing director of the company’s new fish feed manufacturing plant in Tasmania.
Whyte has spent 32 years in aquaculture production, working for supply companies in Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand. He first served BioMar as the technical manager for its United Kingdom-based plant in the late 1990s, before returning now to lead the company’s first Australian mill, which will be ready for commissioning in early 2020.
“David will bring an impressive combination of experience to our business,” said Patrick Campbell, vice president of BioMar’s salmon division, in a press release announcing Whyte’s re-appointment. “He possesses a deep understanding of aquaculture built up over a lifetime in the industry. His breadth of knowledge and commitment to customers makes him ideally suited to lead BioMar Australia in the next phase of its development.”
“I am excited to take this new professional challenge to build a high performing team and firmly establish BioMar in Australia and New Zealand,” said Whyte of his new role. “It’s a tremendous opportunity and a significant responsibility to meet the expectation of our customers, staff, community and shareholders.”
Whyte will officially join BioMar in mid-July 2019, the company confirmed.
Image courtesy of Alamy, per BioMar
