Insect farmer's new CEO targets 'steadfast' role with aquafeed

Dutch insect farmer Protix has appointed experienced food industry executive Maiko van der Meer as its new chief executive.

Protix said that as a seasoned professional with extensive experience at the largest food and feed companies in the world, van der Meer is the perfect fit to guide the company through its international growth, and establish Protix as the enduring industry leader for functional ingredients.

Van der Meer has held board and senior leadership roles at major international companies such as Unilever, Vion Food Group, Klaas Puul, Storteboom Food Group and Tyson Foods. He was managing director of salmon farmer Mowi (Marine Harvest) Consumer Products in Belgium for four and a half years from 2012 to 2016.

In recent years, he has focused increasingly on alternative proteins, from algae and plants to mycoproteins and cultured meat, driven by the belief that the world needs to produce sufficient protein in a responsible way.

A bright future

In his new role, he aims to steer Protix to become a steadfast ingredient partner for aquafeed, livestock feed and pet food companies.

“With rising meat and seafood demand and the need for more sustainable food chains, I am excited to lead a company that is at the forefront of changing the food system,” said Van der Meer.

“Protix is building on a solid foundation with strong assets such as its committed team, unique portfolio of functional ingredients, state-of-the technology, and valuable partnerships such as that with Tyson Foods. I see a bright future for functional insect ingredients, and look forward to advancing their role in building a circular food system.”

Protix supplies meal, oil, and puree made from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae fed on waste from the food industry. The ingredients can be used as ingredients in aquafeed, livestock feed, and pet food.