Reference: Llagostera, P. F., Kallas, Z., Reig, L., & De Gea, D. A. (2019). The use of insect meal as a sustainable feeding alternative in aquaculture: Current situation, Spanish consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay. Journal of Cleaner Production, 229, 10-21.
Important: While based on the work performed by the above researchers, this article is a unique piece of content created by Intersect, designed to offer a summary of important takeaways for busy readers.
Table of contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Context
- Materials and Methods
- Results and discussions
- Marketing implications
Introduction
The research paper explores the potential of insect meal as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal in aquaculture.
Aquaculture is facing increasing demand for fish while wild fish capture has reached its limit, leading to a rise in the prices of fishmeal and fish oil used as feed.
The study examines various feeding alternatives, including plant meals and animal byproduct meals, and highlights the advantages of insect meals, which are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins, with a good balance of essential amino acids.
Insect meals also have a low ecological impact, can be raised efficiently, and can be fed on organic waste.
The paper:
- Assesses consumer preferences and willingness to pay for gilthead sea bream, a popular fish in Spain, when fed with insect meal
- Analyzes consumer perceptions of the environmental impact of aquaculture compared to other animal production systems
- Provides insights into the potential acceptance and viability of insect meal as a sustainable feed alternative in aquaculture
Context: Insect meal in European aquaculture
The research paper explores the potential use of insect meal - as an alternative to fishmeal in European aquaculture -, specifically from the:
- Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)
- Common housefly (Musca domestica)
- Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)
If you’re an insect breeder, you probably know these insects have promising characteristics, such as a similar amino acid profile to fishmeal for example.
Black soldier fly
The black soldier fly has been extensively studied, with studies showing that up to 50% of fishmeal can be replaced by its prepupae without affecting growth or organoleptic properties in rainbow trout.
Similar positive results have been observed in other species, such as European sea bass and gilthead sea bream, though high inclusions can negatively impact feed intake and growth.
Common housefly and yellow mealworm
The common housefly and yellow mealworm have also shown potential, with up to 75% and 50% replacement of fishmeal, respectively, maintaining performance in Nile tilapia.
While these species are promising aquafeed ingredients, the fatty acid profile of insect meals, being richer in n-6 and poorer in n-3, can adversely affect the nutritional quality of the fish for human consumption.
Additionally, the presence of chitin in insect exoskeletons may impact nutrient digestibility, but its effects can vary across fish species. Further research is needed to optimize the use of insect meals in European aquaculture.
Materials and methods
The researchers collected data from open-ended online questionnaires completed by a sample of 215 consumers over 18 years old who regularly consume food and beverages at home and had previously purchased and consumed gilthead seabream.
The sample was selected using quota sampling based on gender and age, and was drawn from a consumer panel.
Participants provided informed consent and received instructions on how to complete the choice experiment.
The study assessed consumers' subjective and objective knowledge about aquaculture. Subjective knowledge was measured using a 9-point Likert scale, while objective knowledge was assessed by having participants identify true or false statements about aquaculture practices.
A discrete choice experiment (DCE)* was used to analyze consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for gilthead seabream from different production systems:
- Wild
- Aquaculture with fish feed
- Aquaculture with mixed fish and vegetable feed
- Aquaculture with mixed fish and insect feed.
| Definitions |
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Objective knowledge In the context of the research paper, objective knowledge refers to the actual factual knowledge that consumers demonstrate about aquaculture practices, as opposed to their perceived or subjective knowledge level. |
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Subjective knowledge Subjective knowledge in this context refers to consumers' perceived understanding or familiarity with aquaculture production systems. |
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Likert scale A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly used in questionnaires to measure attitudes or opinions, typically featuring a range of responses from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." |
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Discrete choice experiment (DCE) A discrete choice experiment (DCE) is a method used to analyze consumer preferences and willingness to pay for different product alternatives. This method involves presenting consumers with different choices and price levels to identify their trade-offs in decision-making. |
Results and discussions
The research findings illustrate the knowledge and perceptions of consumers regarding aquaculture production systems, especially in terms of environmental impact and purchase preferences.
The study revealed that consumers generally have a moderately low objective knowledge level about aquaculture production systems, with an average subjective knowledge level being higher.
Specific attention was given to consumers' perceptions of the environmental impact of various animal production systems, with aquaculture farming being perceived as relatively neutral compared to other animal production systems.
The study also highlighted the disparity between consumers' subjective perceptions and their limited objective knowledge of aquaculture.
Willingness to pay
Additionally, the research delved into consumers' preferences in terms of willingness to pay (WTP) for different fish types and feed combinations.
The results indicated that consumers showed a higher utility for certain fish types and characteristics, while the price of the alternatives influenced their preferences.
Furthermore, the study estimated the WTP for different fish types, revealing the highest WTP for wild gilthead sea bream and lower WTP values for fish fed with different types of feed
Consumers' beliefs about the tastiness and environmental impact
Consumers' beliefs about the tastiness and environmental impact of the different gilthead sea bream types were also examined.
It was found that the wild gilthead sea bream was perceived as the most environmentally friendly, while the gilthead sea bream fed with insect meal was perceived to have the lowest expected probability in terms of taste.
The study also highlighted the need to address consumer beliefs about the positive attributes of insect feeding and convince the population about its benefits.
Finally, the research emphasized the importance of considering various consumer attributes such as quality, price, and taste in shaping purchasing behavior, indicating that environmental sustainability concerns alone might not drive changes in consumption behavior.
Marketing implications
The study reveals that while Spanish consumers are environmentally conscious and willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced seafood, their knowledge about aquaculture practices is limited.
Here are some marketing implications given the findings above.
1. Emphasizing the environmental benefits of insect meal
Marketing strategies should emphasize the environmental benefits of using insect meal in aquaculture.
This includes highlighting the reduced ecological footprint, efficient production, and use of organic waste for raising insects.
By positioning insect-based aquafeed as a solution to overfishing and the depletion of marine resources, companies can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Addressing taste concerns
Given the lower taste expectations for fish fed with insect meal, it is essential to conduct sensory evaluations and ensure the palatability of the product.
Marketing campaigns should focus on transparency and provide information about the rigorous testing and quality control measures in place to ensure that the taste and nutritional quality of the fish are maintained or even enhanced.
3. Addressing knowledge gaps
The research indicates a gap between consumers' subjective and objective knowledge about aquaculture. Therefore, educational campaigns are crucial to inform consumers about the benefits and safety of using insect meal in fish feed.
These campaigns can use various media, including social media, webinars, and courses to educate aquaculturists and consumers about the sustainability and health benefits of insect-based aquafeed.
4. Understanding price positioning & product differentiation
The willingness of Spanish consumers to pay a premium for sustainably produced gilthead seabream provides an opportunity to position these products as premium offerings in the market.
Pricing strategies should reflect the added value of environmental sustainability and quality assurance, making it clear why the product is worth the higher price.
Insect meal-fed fish can be positioned as a unique and innovative product in the market. By differentiating these products from traditionally farmed fish, companies can create a niche market for environmentally conscious consumers who are willing to try new and sustainable products.
5. The importance of partnerships and certifications
Collaborating with environmental organizations and obtaining certifications for sustainable practices can enhance the credibility and appeal of insect meal-fed fish.
Certifications from recognized bodies can reassure consumers about the environmental and health benefits of the product.
Conclusion
Study
The conclusion of the research paper emphasizes the increasing relevance of using and studying insect meals as an alternative to fish meal (FM) in aquaculture.
The study found that Spanish consumers are willing to pay a premium for gilthead sea bream fed with insect meal compared to those fed with only FM, indicating potential acceptance by consumers.
However, consumers expressed the lowest expected taste perception of fish fed with insect meal, highlighting the need for sensory tests to assess palatability.
Furthermore, the research revealed that consumers consider aquaculture as the most environmentally friendly compared to other animal production systems, and gilthead sea bream fed with insect meal was perceived as more environmentally friendly than those fed with current feeding systems.
The main limitation of using insects in fish feeding is their fatty acid profile, which can be addressed through defatting processes and enriching the insects' rearing substrates with fish offal or including a diet rich in fish oil during the final stages of fish farming.
The study also emphasized the necessity of information campaigns for consumers due to their low knowledge level about aquaculture.
Additionally, future research on alternative insects and fish species, as well as market studies involving sensory evaluation, is needed to solidify the use of insect meals in aquaculture production.
Marketing implications
By addressing consumer perceptions, taste concerns, and educational gaps, insect meal companies can effectively market their products and tap into the growing demand for sustainable seafood.
Emphasizing the environmental benefits, nutritional quality, and innovative nature of insect-based aquafeed will be key to gaining consumer acceptance and achieving market success.
