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European Seaweed Sector Continues To Grow
- 18 December 2014
As mentioned in a previous Food Alert, seaweed is a growing category in Europe, although far behind Asia where marine plants are part of a long standing traditional culinary culture. The French seaweed research institution CEVA carries out research and technological transfers to assist the development of the sector. The growing number of consumer food companies with product on the market is a witness to their success.
According to the FAO's flagship publication The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, "about 25 million tonnes of seaweeds and other algae are harvested annually for use as food, in cosmetics and fertilizers, processed to extract thickening agents or used as an additive to animal feed". These are 2012 estimations and represent a 3.5 fold increase in production compared to 1992. Growth is mainly driven by China, which represented 54% of global marine plant production in 2012 (12.8MT), and increased by a factor of over 8 since 1990 when Chinese production represented 1.47MT.
In France the largest producer of seaweed is Algolesko, who began harvesting in May 2014. All their products will be certified organic by the end of 2014. Interestingly, two of their partners are oyster growers which, apart from their obvious expertise in aquaculture, also demonstrates the complimentary nature of seaweed culture with other types of aquaculture. Future aquaculture production will see more Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture practises, which optimises interaction between species while reducing environmental impact, leading to sustainable production systems that will supply healthy sustainable seafood for future generations.
For more information contact finnian.oluasa@bordbia.ie
Source: BordBia - European Seaweed Sector Continues To Grow
