June 25, 2019

Skretting, Protix enter deal to provide salmon feed supplemented with insect meal

Skretting has recently signed a deal with insect breeder Protix that could see up to 5.5 million salmon servings per year brought to market with insect meal incorporated into the feed.

The announcement was made as Protix unveiled its state-of-the-art insect production facility in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands, in mid-June. The event was attended by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander among other guests, including Dr. Jenna Bowyer, Skretting's project procurement manager, and Jose Villalon, Nutreco's corporate sustainability director.

"We are very proud to work with Protix to unlock this new protein source into the aquaculture feed industry to help bridge the future protein gap," said Dr. Bowyer. "We have seen players like Protix make quality improvements with every step and believe these products can make a real impact to future protein supply."

The guests were taken on a tour of the new Protix facility which houses insects that convert vegetable residual flows into sustainable protein, contributing to a future-proof, circular bio-economy.

"This opening marks a real transformation for the entire insect industry, not just for Protix," said Protix CEO Kees Aarts. "This nursery is unique in the Netherlands, Europe and the world. We are delighted that companies like Skretting are enabling the growing sector of insect protein."

Skretting has shown considerable commitment to the development of novel ingredients in recent years, including significant investment in R&D.

"It is essential for us that these new ingredients are not only safe and sustainable, but also ensure that the end product maintains the nutritional benefits we have come to expect from high quality seafood," Dr. Bowyer commented. "The aquaculture industry is very large and growing, and it is essential for us to see novel ingredients brought to commercial scale. We at Skretting support Protix in their developments and we look forward to working with more players in this field."

- Skretting