NaturAlleva, Innovafeed introduce insect-based ingredients to Mediterranean aquafeed

ITALY/FRANCE – Italian aquaculture feed producer NaturAlleva and French insect ingredient supplier Innovafeed have partnered to include black soldier fly ingredients in aquafeed for the Mediterranean region.

The move marks the first major commercial deployment of insect-based components in the sector.

“This partnership marks a key step in positioning insect-based ingredients in aquaculture as true functional components,” said Clément Ray, CEO and co-founder of Innovafeed.

“It clearly demonstrates that our BSFL ingredients go beyond basic nutrition: they are performance-driven solutions, ready to support improved health, robustness, and resilience across a wide range of aquaculture species.”

Boosting fish nutrition with insects

NaturAlleva plans to integrate Innovafeed’s black soldier fly ingredients into its sea bass and sea bream feed formulations from January 2026, aiming for significant commercial volumes.

The ingredients contain chitin, lauric acid, and antimicrobial peptides, all linked to measurable benefits for Mediterranean fish species including sturgeon and trout.

“I am extremely enthusiastic about the application of insect meals in fish feed formulations,” said Fabio Brambilla, Ph.D., fish nutritionist at NaturAlleva. “After many years of studying the benefits of this raw material in fish nutrition, we have identified the ideal partner to initiate its use and to continue research on this innovative ingredient and its co-products. We believe that insect meals represent one of the key solutions for a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture.”

The partnership also includes joint investment in research on the functional properties of insect-based aquafeed ingredients, particularly the benefits of chitin for other species.

Market growth and regional impact

Industry reports estimate the global insect-based aquafeed market at US$830 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$2.54 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of nearly 14.7 percent.

The broader insect ingredients market, covering food and feed, could expand from US$2.1 billion in 2025 to US$5.0 billion by 2035, with aquaculture remaining a key driver.

Europe is leading adoption due to strict sustainability regulations, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, led by expansion in China, India, and Southeast Asia.

North America shows rising interest in sustainable salmon and trout feed. Africa, including Kenya and Nigeria, is emerging with pilot projects using black soldier fly larvae.

As fish demand rises and feed shortages continue in East Africa, insect-based feed could become central to aquaculture growth, offering a low-carbon, high-protein alternative that supports both efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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