NaturAlleva and Innovafeed Join Forces to Revolutionize Aquaculture with Insect-Based Ingredients

In a groundbreaking collaboration, NaturAlleva and Innovafeed have announced a commercial partnership aimed at integrating insect-based ingredients into aquaculture, a move that promises to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of fish farming.

Strategic Alliance for Mediterranean Aquaculture

Innovafeed, renowned for its leadership in insect ingredients, has partnered with NaturAlleva, a key player in aquaculture feed production and farming. This partnership focuses on the incorporation of Black Soldier Fly (BSFL) ingredients tailored for Mediterranean aquatic species, including sea bass, sea bream, sturgeon, and trout.

Transitioning from Research to Real-World Application

This alliance symbolizes a pivotal advancement in the large-scale application of insect-based ingredients, moving from pilot projects to market-ready solutions.

The agreement stems from a unified goal to expedite the application of insect ingredients, transitioning them from theoretical benefits to practical usage in aquaculture systems.

With a foundation built on extensive research and academic backing, Innovafeed’s BSFL ingredients boast functional compounds such as chitin, lauric acid, and Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These components have exhibited significant benefits as premium ingredients for aquafeed. Supported by over a decade of R&D trials conducted by NaturAlleva and successful ingredient usage from Innovafeed, a compelling case has been made for the commercial deployment across various feed formulations.

Key Functional Benefits of BSFL Ingredients

• Promotion of a healthy gut microbiota.
• Improved robustness and stress resilience in aquatic species.
• Enhanced overall zootechnical performance.

Commencing in January 2026, NaturAlleva is set to deploy Innovafeed’s BSFL ingredients at significant commercial volumes for Sea Bass and Sea Bream feed formulations. Moreover, both companies plan to collaborate on R&D to explore further functional properties, especially focusing on chitin-related benefits across other aquaculture species.

A Functional Ingredient for Sustainable Aquaculture

This collaboration accentuates the roleing of insect ingredients as key functional components within aquaculture feed formulations.

Rather than merely serving as an alternative ingredient, Innovafeed’s BSFL is viewed as a crucial companion that enhances existing feed formulations, ultimately supporting both:

• The well-being and health of aquatic animals.
• The long-term sustainability objectives of the aquaculture sector.

Expanding the Use of Insect Ingredients in Mediterranean Aquaculture

The partnership will gradually expand across the Mediterranean region, reflecting a collective commitment to scalability, reliable supply, and operational excellence.

By merging Innovafeed’s industrial insect ingredient production capabilities with NaturAlleva’s aquaculture expertise, this collaboration marks a new era of maturity in commercial insect-based nutrition.

Statements from the Leaders

“Our collaboration with Innovafeed supports the integration of scientifically validated functional ingredients into our feeding strategies, reinforcing our commitment to innovation while promoting optimal fish performance and health,” stated Ugo Biasin, CEO of NaturAlleva.

“This partnership is a significant step towards establishing insect-based ingredients as essential components in aquaculture,” remarked Clément Ray, CEO & Co-founder of Innovafeed. “It underscores that our BSFL ingredients surpass mere nutrition—they are performance-driven solutions that enhance health, robustness, and resilience across a wide array of aquatic species.”

“I am thrilled about the application of insect meals in fish feed formulations. After years of research on this material’s benefits in fish nutrition, we finally have the ideal partner to launch its use and further explore this innovative ingredient and its by-products,” expressed Fabio Brambilla, Ph.D., Fish Nutritionist at NaturAlleva. “We are confident that insect meals are among the key solutions for achieving a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture.”

“Partnering with NaturAlleva presents an exciting opportunity. We eagerly anticipate demonstrating the full potential of Innovafeed ingredients and providing Mediterranean fish farmers with innovative solutions to optimize health, performance, and sustainability,” added Elodie Petit, Animal Nutrition Sales Director at Innovafeed.

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