Volare's insect protein advances – the first rainbow trout fed with larval feed will soon be on consumers' plates

Rainbow trout that have eaten insect feed are being sold as a result of a collaboration between four Finnish companies.

Volare A trial batch of approximately 150 kilograms of protein-fed salmon will first hit the market, and will be available to consumers next winter.

A spin-off company from VTT raises black soldier fly larvae at its Hyvinkää experimental facility and makes protein powder from them, which is added to the fish feed produced by Alltech Fennoaqua in Raisio.

The proportion of insect protein in the feed is initially kept low so that testing in a commercial environment can be carried out in a controlled manner.

The rainbow trout are raised by Kalankasvatus Vääräniemi in Taivalkoski, and their distribution is handled by Kalavapriikki in Kuopio.

Sustainable domestic alternative

Volare feeds its mealworms with by-products from the food industry, such as dough waste and potato waste, which would otherwise go to waste.

Feed ingredients play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of fish farming. Insect feed is an excellent choice for rainbow trout.

“Insects are part of the natural diet of rainbow trout and have significant environmental benefits compared to traditional feed ingredients,” confirms Volare’s commercial director. Jarna Hyvönen.

Insect protein can replace foreign soy in feed, for example.

Great black soldiers

Black soldier flies have proven to be an excellent tool for preserving nutrients in the food chain.

Dubbed “the world’s most efficient bioreactor,” the fly is considered the most talented eater in the insect world, devouring anything in its larval stage, thanks to its 17 different digestive enzymes.

Raising larvae is otherwise easy, unlike many other insects, which are susceptible to disease.

“This species has no known diseases, so there is no need to use insecticides or antibiotics when growing them,” describes Volare’s CEO. Tuure Parviainen.

Unique technology

Volare's patented production method, dry processing, is a fossil-free production method that saves energy and produces no side streams or waste.

“The unique technology can take almost any raw material side stream, whether it is wet or dry,” Parviainen explains.

Larvae grown in side streams produce feed not only for fish but also for chickens and pets.

The company aims to open its first commercial-scale factory in 2026.

Text: Päivi Ikonen/ Kemiamedia.fi

Image: Adobe Stock. Rainbow trout grow well on sustainable insect-based feed, as insects are their natural food anyway.