© Hendrix Genetics
The new endorsement was achieved in an initiative involving INAO, the French Label Rouge regulatory authority; Landcatch, the Hendrix Genetics’ brand for salmon breeding; Scottish Quality Salmon; and leading insect ingredient producer Protix.
Label Rouge requires compliance with stringent standards, including specifications for feed and Label Rouge production represents 12 percent (8,900 tonnes) of Scotland’s salmon exports. In a recently approved update to these specifications, insects can now be included in the diets of juvenile salmon.
Novel ingredients broaden the ingredients basket and are an important instrument in the sector’s toolkit as they push towards carbon neutrality by 2045. Protix’s insect meals have a carbon impact almost 89 percent lower than soy protein concentrate per kg, while being a closer analogue to the salmonids’ natural diets. Feed represents up to 80 percent of the carbon impact of the salmon sector, and innovation in this space drives demonstrable impact.
Landcatch supplies customers worldwide with high-quality salmon ova, fry, parr and smolts and is the first Label Rouge certified company to have signed an agreement to use insect-derived feed in its operations.
General manager, Jarl van den Berg, said in a press release: “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, added: “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.”
