Loopworm's protein and fat products are approved as additives, attractants and palatants in aquaculture nutrition © Loopworm
Indian insect biotechnology company, Loopworm, has secured a significant approval from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) of India. The new certification authorises the direct use of Loopworm's protein and fat products as additives, attractants and palatants in aquaculture nutrition at the farm level. This approval marks a paradigm shift, allowing Loopworm's products to directly serve aqua feed supplements and additives manufacturers.
The CAA approval opens up a new market for Loopworm, enabling the company to address the critical need for palatable and attractive aquaculture feed additives. According to Loopworm, the product will support farmers in challenging weather conditions and early disease incidents. It will improve feed consumption rates for farmed fish and crustaceans, providing direct nutritional supplementation at the farm level.
"This achievement reinforces our vision to create an impact in protein production through sustainable insect biotechnology. These certifications position Loopworm as a credible supplier, aligning with global pet food safety and animal feed standards. Whether it’s about dealing with pet food companies or animal feed manufacturers, these certifications highlight brand commitment in delivering safe, high-quality, and sustainable products," said Ankit Alok Bagaria, co-founder and CEO of Loopworm, in a press release.
Loopworm has already begun exporting its insect protein powder, or insect meal, to a leading global salmon feed manufacturer. Multiple commercial consignments have been shipped to one of the largest clients in the salmon feed space, signalling the company's entry into the sustainable aquaculture market. With this regulatory milestone, Loopworm can now cater to both feed manufacturers and the broader aquaculture supplement ecosystem, expanding its addressable market within India's growing aquaculture sector.
The company states it will continue to innovate beyond the traditional animal nutrition, developing applications in biopharmaceuticals with its affordable and quick recombinant protein production platform thereby positioning itself as a comprehensive biotech platform leveraging insect-derived biomolecules.
