Innovating out of the fishmeal trap

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential market impacts of the use of insect-based protein for fish feed as an innovative approach out of the fish-meal trap. Design/methodology/approach-An online questionnaire was used to elicit information on fish consumption choices among 610 German consumers using a discrete choice experiment. Mixed logit and latent class logit models were used to model consumers' preference heterogeneity. Findings-Results show that consumers' preferences for fish attributes such as filets, freshness, ecolabelling and domestic production are heterogeneous and important in consumption choices. The minor share of the respondents is sensitive, while the remaining is indifferent regarding the use of insect based protein as feed in trout production. For this sensitive segment, consumption would be expected to be reduced unless the price is reduced or other attributes such as convenience aspects are improved. Research limitations/implications-The implication is that firms can substitute without a significant impact on the market demand given that the majority of consumers are indifferent regarding feed sources for trout production. As a result, it provides an innovative way to ensure sustainable use of resources and reduces the threat of fish meal trap while reducing pressure on the already over-exploited marine life. Originality/value-The results provide first insights into the market impact of using insects in the animal protein value chain. It is important especially with Europe's recent lift of the ban on using insect-based protein in the animal food industry.

Consumer Acceptance of Meat from Animals Reared on Insect Meal as Feed

“…According to Laureati et al [30], the willingness to accept this kind of meat and fish was higher in males than females, and higher in students and university staff than outside the university. The ratio of preference was also higher in males and younger age groups in the study of Ankamah-Yeboah et al [42]. Verbeke et al [29] also observed that feeding animals with insects was more acceptable for men than for women; however, it was independent of age.…”

“…Another 36% answered that they would be willing to accept the fish if the price, safety, and taste remained unchanged, while 10% were unwilling to eat insect-fed fish. In a survey [42], it was found that 77% of Danish consumers were indifferent to feeding fish with an insect-containing diet, but the remaining 23% were sensitive to it. The acceptance of trout was compared according to their consumption or not of insects [43].…”

The Potential Role of Insects as Feed: A Multi-Perspective Review

“…A general consensus was found among consumers, with only 10% of the sample opposed to the inclusion of insects into fish feed, and stakeholders, provided the feeds are proven to be safe, reliable, and cost effective. To the best of our knowledge, only two recent papers have focused on determinants of consumers’ acceptance of insects in animal feed via experimental procedures [56,57]. Ankamah-Yeaboah et al [56] analyzed data collected from an online questionnaire administered to 610 German consumers, using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in order to resemble a real market decision-making setting.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, only two recent papers have focused on determinants of consumers’ acceptance of insects in animal feed via experimental procedures [56,57]. Ankamah-Yeaboah et al [56] analyzed data collected from an online questionnaire administered to 610 German consumers, using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in order to resemble a real market decision-making setting. According to their results, most consumers interviewed were not concerned about the type of feed.…”

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and willingness to pay for insect-based feeds in Kenya

“…insects as feed, all in European countries including Belgium [33], France [34], Germany [35], Poland [36], Italy [37,38] and the United Kingdom [39]. Overall, these studies found a favourable attitude and willingness to accept insects in animal feed and resulting products from animals fed with IBF among respondents.…”