World’s first trout raised on insect protein hits Finnish shelves
Finland has just made seafood history. In a groundbreaking move for sustainable aquaculture, a group of 4 Finnish companies has launched what they call the world’s first commercial rainbow trout raised on insect protein. For a limited 2-week period starting April 7, Finnish grocery shoppers will find these eco-conscious fillets on store shelves – a bold step that could signal a shift in how we feed both fish and the future.
Fish raised in Central Finland
The trout is raised by Kalankasvatus Vääräniemi at one of its farms in Taivalkoski, in the central part of the country 750 north of Helsinki. Kalavapriikki, a marketing firm, is responsible for product promotion, and Volare supplies insect protein. Alltech Fennoaqua, Finland’s only aquafeed manufacturer, also took part in the project.
Successful feed trials in 2024
In 2024, the 4 companies conducted the first global trial where conventional feed ingredients were partially replaced with insect protein. The results appeared to be encouraging on the production side, and now the partners want to test the state of demand on the market.
Consumers want taste and sustainability
The project members are brimming with optimism about the market prospects of trout raised on insect protein.
“Our customers value sustainable choices, but above all, the food must be high-quality and tasty. We’re proud to offer something new and exciting to Finnish consumers,” Jari Korhonen, CEO of Kalavapriikki, said in a statement on April 7.
Scaling up insect protein production
Volare is producing insect protein at its pilot facility in Hyvinkää in the southern part of the country, 57 km north of Helsinki, and is drafting plans to build its first full-scale industrial plant in Finland.
Our customers want sustainability—but it has to taste great too.”
Boosting circular feed systems
The collaboration is expected to spur the demand for insect protein on the market, and the plant construction is promised to lead to a significant expansion of partnerships.
“In the future, insect protein could become a key part of sustainable, circular aquafeeds. In Volare’s case, the ingredient is also locally sourced—something we strongly support. Local sourcing not only benefits the environment but also strengthens food self-sufficiency and employment in Finland,” Tomi Kantola, CEO of Alltech Fennoaqua, was quoted in the statement as saying.
EU support and sector growth
The EU has given the green light to use insect protein in fish feed since July 1, 2017. Around €1.5 billion was invested in EU insect-producing companies, making the sector the fastest-growing sustainable protein production industry in the European Union, as estimated by the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed.
High costs still a challenge
However, the industry is not without its challenges. In November, French insect company Ynsect announced it entered a safeguarding procedure after failing to secure its expansion plans. Observers point to high costs, especially energy, as a significant hurdle that has hindered the growth of insect protein production in Europe in recent years.
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