Finnish consumers will enjoy rainbow trout raised in a new, sustainable way. Insect protein has been used as part of the feed in the commercial production of rainbow trout. This limited-edition product—Kalaonni Arkinen rainbow trout fillet—will be available for just two weeks and brings a delicious, responsibly farmed fish to dinner tables across Finland.
The project is the result of a pioneering collaboration between four Finnish companies, unique in the aquaculture industry, encompassing nearly the entire value chain: ingredient supplier, feed producer, fish farmer, wholesaler, retailer, and consumer.
In 2024, these companies conducted a global first trial where conventional feed ingredients were partially replaced with insect protein, and the resulting fish is now being released as a special edition product.
The trout were raised in Taivalkoski by Kalankasvatus Vääräniemi, with Kalavapriikki responsible for bringing the products to market. The collaboration also includes insect protein producer Volare and Finland’s only fish feed manufacturer, Alltech Fennoaqua.
“Our customers value sustainable choices, but above all, the food must be high-quality and tasty. We’re proud to offer something new and exciting to Finnish consumers,” said Jari Korhonen, CEO of Kalavapriikki.
The special edition Kalaonni Arkinen rainbow trout fillets will be available in stores across Finland starting April 7, 2025, with fillets marked with the batch number starting with TRR74.
Volare produces insect protein powder by upcycling side streams from the food industry. “Insects are a natural part of salmonids’ diet, and Volare’s unique production process is energy-efficient, fossil-free, and produces zero waste,” highlighted Jarna Hyvönen, chief commercial officer at Volare.
Currently, Volare is producing insect protein at its pilot facility in Hyvinkää and is planning its first full-scale industrial plant in Finland. The realization of this larger facility will enable a significant expansion of partnerships.
“It’s extremely important for us to help move the industry forward sustainably. We’re committed to supporting the development of future-proof ingredients and scaling up Finnish startups like Volare,” said Tomi Kantola, CEO of Alltech Fennoaqua.
“In the future, insect protein could become a key part of sustainable, circular aquafeeds. In Volare’s case, the ingredient is also locally sourced—something we strongly support. Local sourcing not only benefits the environment but also strengthens food self-sufficiency and employment in Finland,” Kantola added.
