Future of aquatic feed: insect protein replaces fishmeal

A new report from Lux Research explores the future of alternative ingredients for aquatic feed and evaluates the possibility of replacing fish meal with insect protein, single cell protein and algae protein to make feed.

 
In 2018, FAO estimated that by 2030, based on a 10% annual increase in fish protein demand, aquaculture production will reach 201 million tons. According to IFFO data, in recent years, annual production of fishmeal has remained at 5 million metric tons. One third of fishmeal production comes from the by-products of wild capture fisheries and aquaculture.

 
Lux Research believes that this number must increase significantly. In the next 30 years, the aquaculture industry will need 15 million tons of new protein to meet the gap between supply and demand.

 
The report comes from a survey of 20 algae producers, 28 insect feed companies and 16 single-cell protein producers. Lux Reserch said that in the past five years, the aquaculture feed raw materials sector has grown, with insect proteins, single-cell proteins and algal proteins becoming the main alternatives to fishmeal. Among these alternative ingredients, Lux's PEST analysis (political, economic, social, and technological) shows that insect proteins and single-cell proteins are most likely to become the main protein source of aquatic feed.

 
At present, the largest insect production facilities, such as French Ynsect Company and Malaysian Nutrition Technology Company, now have an annual output of about 10,000 tons, but there are signs that their future output will double. If all currently operating insect producers can achieve the plan to increase production facilities, by 2024, the global annual insect production may exceed 350,000. However, Lux analysis shows that the global insect production of about 200,000 tons is more likely.

 
The French biotechnology company InnovaFeed is one of the companies that produce larvae of the black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) as protein feed for insects. In 2019, the company and Cargill reached a strategic cooperation to produce innovative feed products and jointly sell fish feed featuring insect protein.

 
In 2018, the company formed a strategic partnership with French retailer Auchan to launch the first ever trout that feeds on insects. It is currently available in 52 supermarkets in France. The company said it plans to expand this business across France by the end of 2020.