Alternative aquafeed ingredient firm Prairie Aquatech changes name to Houdek

Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A.-based Prairie Aquatech is changing its name to Houdek. 

Founded in 2011 by the South Dakota Innovation Partners and researchers from South Dakota State University, the company has crafted fermentation technologies for plant-based ingredients for aquafeed. In 2019, it began production of its signature aquatic and terrestrial feed brand ME-PRO at its Volga, South Dakota, U.S.A.-based facility. 

“Because of our team members’ innovation and relentless focus on market needs over the past decade, it is important for our name to reflect the impact we are having in aquaculture and beyond,” Houdek Co-Founder and CEO Mark Luecke. “In order to better communicate this impact and our vision to the broader market, we created Houdek as a way to articulate our unique value proposition in each important, but very different, market segment.”

Luekce said the company will have more announcements in 2023 regarding Houdek’s product development, strategic partnerships, and expanded production. It will continue to develop fermented plant-based protein ingredients for aquaculture, pet food, and human health.

“Houdek reflects our deep roots, while supporting our vision for the future which is solving global challenges, such as food and environmental security. Our fermentation technology has opened doors to new opportunities for a better life, everywhere,” Luecke said.

In 2022, the company became the first SQF-certified food-ingredient manufacturing facility in South Dakota. 

Photo courtesy of Houdek