Landcatch to use insect protein in feed

Scotland-based salmon ova and smolt supplier Landcatch has become the first Label Rouge certified company to have signed an agreement to use insect-derived feed in its operations.

Lochgilphead-based Landcatch, owned by Dutch company Hendrix Genetics, will be supplied with insect-based protein by Netherlands black soldier fly (BSF) farmer Protix.

Label Rouge is a French quality mark that comes with a stringent set of standards. Scottish salmon was the first non-French product to be awarded the right to use the label, and Label Rouge production represents 12% (8,900 tonnes) of Scotland’s salmon exports.

Landcatch can use insect-derived protein following changes announced in April by Label Rouge authority INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et la Qualité).

Protix said the change marked a significant shift for the Scottish industry towards a feed and food system with a lower footprint and comes at a time when the industry is also increasingly putting larger smolts to sea.

“Novel ingredients broaden the ingredients basket and are an important instrument in the sector’s toolkit as they push towards carbon neutrality by 2045,” said Protix in a press release.

“Protix’s insect meals have a carbon impact almost 89% lower than a similar soy alternative (soy protein concentrate) per kg, while being a closer analogue to the salmonids’ natural diets. Feed represents up to 80% of the carbon impact of the salmon sector, and innovation in this space drives demonstrable impact.”

Bred with balance

Speaking about the decision to use insect-derived protein, Landcatch general manager Jarl van den Berg said: “Our salmon are bred with balance in mind, in line with our vision to set the standard in responsible animal breeding. This success underpins our mission of delivering premium quality, healthy and high-performing fish sustainably and profitably.”

Protix business development manager Michel van Spankeren said: “The approval of insect ingredients in one of the world’s most stringent quality labels marks another big step for the insect industry. We aim to serve up the most sustainable salmon on consumers’ plates and know that we can only do this in collaboration with forward-thinking partners. Seeing this coming to life is fantastic.”