Finnish insect protein company names officers, plant construction advances

Finnish biotech company Volare has appointed Benjamin Armenjon and Antti Åke to newly created leadership roles as it moves toward full-scale production of black soldier fly-based ingredients for pet food, aquafeed and chemical applications.

Volare, based in Pori and Helsinki, Finland, announced that Armenjon will serve as chief commercial officer and Åke as chief operating officer. The company produces protein, oil and fertilizer from food industry side streams using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae.

Jarna HyvönenVolareArmenjon holds a PhD in food science and spent 10 years at Ÿnsect, most recently as chief commercial officer. He will lead commercial strategy, global partnerships and customer growth at Volare.

Antti ÅkeVolareÅke previously served as CEO of WasteWise Group, where he built and scaled a pyrolysis plant. He has led international teams across Europe and Asia with Bayer and Covestro. At Volare, he will oversee plant operations and the company's expanding team.

The appointments follow Volare's €26 million (US$28.9 million) funding round announced earlier this year. The company is using the funds to construct Volare 01 in Pori, its first large-scale production facility, and to advance its insect protein technology.

"The food industry urgently needs scalable solutions," said Armenjon. "Volare is uniquely positioned to deliver insect-based ingredients that reduce pressure on natural resources while creating real value for customers. Sustainability and growth can go hand in hand, and that's exactly what we're proving."

Åke noted Volare is entering a decisive phase, moving from technology development to full-scale industrial operations. 

"This is a rare opportunity to both scale innovative technology and create meaningful impact in the global food system," said Åke. "I look forward to applying my experience to make Volare's vision a reality."