ISSUE FOCUS 34 Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 PROVEN RESULTS IN AQUAFEED INCLUSION Recent studies and independent trials have shown that BSF meal can be effectively included in aquafeeds at levels of 5% to 10% with positive results in growth performance, feed conversion ratios, and most importantly improved survival rates. In many cases, it has led to improvements in overall well-being of species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In short, healthier animals are also a benefit for the producers who can have higher yields due to less loss. In addition, black soldier fly meal’s digestibility and palatability have also made it a promising ingredient in early life stage feeds, where nutrition is critical to long-term performance. CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF INSECT FED FISH A growing number of consumers are not only accepting of insect-fed fish and shrimp but are actively preferring them. Studies such as the 2020 paper by Lombardi et al. in the journal Foods and the 2021 report from the European Commission-funded SUSINCHAIN project indicate that consumers, particularly those concerned with sustainability, are more inclined to purchase seafood fed with insect-based proteins. An independent trial by Aller Aqua found that 67% of participants in consumer sensory tests preferred the taste of salmon fed with insect-based formulation. These studies suggest that species fed with insect meal grow better and can even taste better. Another reason to find a balance between ingredients and start formulating aquafeeds slightly differently and incorporating BSF meal. LEARNING FROM THE INDUSTRY’S MISSTEPS Despite the strong technical and environmental case for BSF meal, one major pain point the BSF industry faces is the lack of produce to reach the demand for the aquaculture market. Aquafeed producers require stable quality and quantity which the insect industry has yet failed to deliver. Some early pioneers have collapsed under the weight of high CapEx, overpromising, and underdelivering. These failures have been magnified in the public eye, casting doubt on the viability of BSF. These companies invested heavily in R&D, and it is important to thank them for developing and testing technologies to grow the insect industry as a whole. However, it is also important to note this industry is still in its early stages, and failures—though inevitable—can be a blessing in disguise. They provide valuable lessons and should be used as teachable moments. At Flylab, we believe in learning from these experiences to build more efficient, and scalable solutions. Our BSF protein meal consistently contains a minimum of 60% protein, a benchmark that allows us to compete effectively in aquafeed formulations while maintaining a competitive price of around $2,000 per ton. This pricing strategy, coupled with a quality-focused approach, has enabled us to provide real value to feed manufacturers. It is now imperative that BSF producing companies fit the aquaculture specifications to create a solution that can please all parties. The insect industry has now matured enough to be a viable and competitive solution.
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