INDUSTRY NEWS
Myanmar, a potential aquaculture giant, is waking up. It wants to rival Thailand and Vietnam as a regional top shrimp producer, and has hired the technical assistance of American experts.
TO RIVAL THAILAND, VIETNAM?
Myanmar bids to become major shrimp exporter
Watch out for Myanmar. It is gearing up to become a regional top shrimp producer to rival Thailand and Vietnam, hiring the technical assistance of American experts.
Kyaw Tun Myint, president of the Myanmar Shrimp Association said, "We are about to start sustainable shrimp farming with the help of a firm from the United States," according to a report in The Nation newspaper.
He said Myanmar entrepreneurs in the industry were keen on farming white shrimp with the latest technology from Hawaii-based Marine Genetics LLC.
"We will start farming white shrimp this year. If we are successful, it will not only support our food security but also may reduce the trade deficit up to 25 percent, thanks to potential surge in shrimp export," he was quoted as saying.
Marine Genetics' president, Jim Wyban, recently visited Myanmar to set up a shrimp hatchery firm named Best Burma PL, with the help of project manager Kelly Morgan.
Wyban said Myanmar could export 100,000 tonnes of shrimp worth US$1 billion yearly over the next five years.
Best Burma PL's modern farming is expected to start this year.
ATLANTIC FISHERIES FUND
Canada invests US$244M in fish and seafood sector
The Canadian government announced Monday, March 13, that it was investing C$325 million (US$244.12 million) in the fish and seafood sector through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.
Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, announced the establishment of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund in St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador province.
"Our government is committed to growing the fish and seafood sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. With the announcement of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, we are looking to the future of this industry and taking the necessary steps to transform and drive innovation so this sector is positioned for even greater success", Foote said.
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund is a key component of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which was announced on July 4, 2016, and whose objective is to drive long-term economic growth in the Atlantic region.
Canada's fish and seafood sector is an integral part of the economic and social fabric of many coastal communities across the country, especially in Atlantic Canada.
The fisheries fund is aimed at driving innovation in Canada's fish and seafood sector. Innovation in this sector means more jobs for fishers in hundreds of small coastal and Indigenous communities across the Atlantic provinces, the government said.
It said this new investment under the Atlantic Growth Strategy would help strengthen the Atlantic economy and increase job opportunities for Atlantic Canadians. Funding for this new initiative is in addition to existing federally funded programs.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, noted that the world is demanding sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products. He added, "The Atlantic Fisheries Fund will drive innovation in this sector, helping Canada meet these demands. This will boost the economy and increase employment opportunities for middle class Canadians in coastal communities".
In 2015, the landed value of Canada's Atlantic commercial fisheries was C$2.8 billion (US$2.1 billion).
WINNERS KNOWN MARCH 19
2017 US Seafood Excellence Awards finalists bared
The 12 finalists for the 2017 Seafood Excellence Awards, the best new products competition at Seafood Expo North America, have been announced.
Winners of the competition will be presented during the Seafood Excellence Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, in the Demonstration Theater during Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The Seafood Excellence Awards annually recognize the product leaders in the North American seafood market. Each year, exhibitors can submit their new products for consideration. Products are evaluated by three seafood industry experts based on their uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste profile, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.
The 2017 finalists were selected from 49 entries in the exposition's New Product Showcase and will compete for two awards: Best New Foodservice and Best New Retail Product.
The finalists for the 2017 Seafood Excellence Awards are:
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Aqua Star, Booth #2005
Honey Glazed Shrimp with Walnuts
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Azuma Foods International Inc., USA, Booth #321
Shrimp Swirl Pops
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Bantry Bay America Inc., Booth #2957
Mussels in a Spicy Sauce
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Cheating Gourmet, Booth #2716
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Rice Bowl
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C.P. Food Products Inc., Booth #433
Hand Wrapped Shrimp Wonton with Ramen Noodle and Yu Choy
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Fishpeople Seafood, Booth #2745
Meyer Lemon & Herb Panko Wild Alaskan Salmon Kit
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Handy Seafood Inc., Booth #823
Oyster Collection
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King & Prince Seafood, Booth #505
Jumbo Buttermilk Shrimp
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Multiexport Foods, Booth #117
Smoked Roasted Salmon Flakes
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Open Blue, Booth #1859
Frozen Open Blue Cobia IVP Fillet
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Trident Seafoods, Booth #805
Louis Kemp Hawaiian Poke Snackits
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Western United Fish Company, Booth #3064
Limu Ahi Poke
Each finalist's product will be showcased during the three-day event in Boston on March 19-21.
ON A ROLL
Vietnam shrimp exports up 6.7% in 2016…
Vietnamese shrimp exports last year reached US$3.15 billion in value, up 6.7% from 2015, out of which whiteleg shrimp accounted for 62.1% of the total, black tiger shrimp 29.5% and marine shrimp 8.3%, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said.
VASEP said all months, except May, posted positive growth rates ranging from 0.1 to 12.3%.
The 2016 growth reversed 2015's negative growth of 25.3%, VASEP said.
It said that in 2016, Vietnamese shrimp were exported to 93 markets, compared with 95 in 2015.
The top 5 importing markets included the US (accounting for 22.5% share of total exports), EU (19.1% share), Japan (19%), China (13.8%) an South Korea (9%).
Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US, the top market, reached $708.8 million, an increase of 7.9% compared with 2015, while those to the EU hit $600.4 million, up 9.4%. Sales to Japan in 2016 increased 2.7% to $599.8 million.
Other top Vietnamese shrimp destinations were Australia, Canada, Asean, Taiwan and Switzerland.
The top 10 markets accounted for 95.4% of the country's total shrimp exports.
Exports to eight of the top 10 markets reported an increase, but exports to Canada and Taiwan were down 11.6% and 20.8%, respectively. Canada and Taiwan accounted for 3.9% and 1.6%, respectively, of total shrimp exports.
Exports to China showed the largest increase at 24.3%. Sales to the US, EU, Japan and South Korea rose 7.9%, 9.4%, 2.7% and 13.6%, respectively.
In the first quarter of this year, Vietnam shrimp exports are forecast to touch $619 million, just the same as the same period last year.
The recovery in shrimp sales in 2016 was attributed to upward trend in global shrimp price, higher demand from importing markets, rise in the output of shrimp, and more stability in currencies in the world.
Also, stability in the in the domestic price of raw shrimp and rise in export price of shrimp facilitated shrimp exports, VASEP said.
The growth was achieved despite some obstacles including unfavourable weather, salinity, lack of raw material and diseases. Vietnamese exporters also encountered pressures from markets such as higher anti-dumping duty on shrimp exported to the US and technical barriers from the EU, Japan and Australia.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said that Vietnam's shrimp sector should aim for an export value of $10 billion in eight years' time, or by 2025.
…Pangasius exports up 9.6%
Vietnamese pangasius exports in 2016 increased 9.6% in value year-on-year to US$1.71 billion, as shipments to the US and China registered higher growths, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) has reported.
In the fourth quarter alone, exports to the US reached $100.6 million, up 21% compared with the same period 2015. For the whole year, pangasius exports to the US reached $387.4 million, up 22.8% compared with 2015.
The US accounted for 22.6% of the total export value, making it the largest importing market of Vietnamese pangasius.
Sales to China – Hong Kong in 2016 reached $304.7 million, up 88.7% compared with 2015, making it overtake the EU to become the second-largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius.
Vasep said China - Hong Kong could become the largest market of Vietnamese pangasius.
In contrast to the growths in the US and China, sales to the EU in 2016 decreased, by 8.5%, to $260.9 million year-on-year. The export value to the four largest single markets decreased: the Netherlands (-7.5%), the UK (-4.2%), Spain (-6.2%) and Germany (-4.9%) compared with 2015.
Pangasius exports to some other major markets also decreased including in Asean, by 0.2%; Mexico by 12%; Brazil, 12.5%; Colombia, 5.4%; and Saudi Arabia, 16.6%.
Meanwhile, the price of pangasius in the Mekong Delta has been moving up since the Tet holiday. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, businesses paid VND23,000-26,000 (US$1-1.14) a kilogramme, up VND1,000-3,000 (US 4 cents-13 cents) compared with the price before the holiday, according to the Vietnam Pangasius Association.
With this price, farmers earn a profit of VND3,000-5,000 (13 cents-22 cents) a kilogramme, it added.
It said this is considered as the longest price increase lasting for three consecutive months in the region.
A KEY NEED
US FDA approves fish feed ingredient taurine
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an ingredient for fish feed that reduces reliance on feed made of other fish.
Called taurine (pronounced TAR-een), the ingredient is a nutrient important for proper behavior in fish. For example, a flounder deficient in taurine won't hide as well.
Carnivores need taurine in their diets as it is essential for many bodily functions, including fat digestion, and eyesight. People and some animals naturally produce taurine. But other carnivores, like some fish, do not, so that they have to get this nutrient from their diet.
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As early as 2011, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Department of Agriculture jointly identified taurine as a key need in fish feeds.
However, the European Union and Canada, among others, have been feeding taurine to farmed fish for years.
According to Michael Rust, science adviser for NOAA Fisheries' Office of Aquaculture, while taurine can be sourced from other animal products and marine red algae, experts can produce it synthetically.
Using fish feed with taurine would also cost farmers less than half of what it costs to feed fish to other fish, Rust added.
WEAK LANDINGS, HIGHER DEMAND
Lobster prices in North America at 10-year high
Lobster prices on the North American market hit a 10-year high due to weak landings and higher demand particularly for lobster meat, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.Retail prices on the US East Coast remained high into September 2016, when consumers were paying between US$9 and $11 per pound for live lobster. Besides weaker landings and growing demand for live products, other cited reasons for the high prices include rising interest from processors of such products as lobster rolls and lobster macaroni and cheese, and interest in Asia for North American lobster.
FAO said the demand for lobster as a raw material for processed products may keep prices high for some time into the future.
During the first half of 2016, EU lobster imports from the US (for all product forms, including live) amounted to 2,600 tonnes, an increase of about 19%. EU imports from Canada increased even more, from 2,000 tonnes during the first half of 2015 to almost 2,600 tonnes during the same period in 2016.
For all product forms, total lobster imports into the EU during the first half of 2016 totalled 8,600 tonnes.
According to FAO, demand for lobster was growing in the UK as lobster was no longer an exclusive dish for the affluent but becoming a mainstream food. Some industry observers said most of the lobsters consumed in the UK were imported from the US and Canada.
It was noted that the spring lobster season in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, showed poorer landings during the period under analysis (January-October 2016). Landings dropped by 13.5% to 10,700 tonnes. However, tighter supplies led to higher prices so that the value of the catch increased by 22% to CAN$148 million (US$113.8 million).
In Maine, hard-shell lobsters were in high demand. Coupled with a low supply, this resulted in price increases. Landings were down by 50% compared with the previous year, and prices were up to US$6.50 per pound.
During the first half of 2016, world imports of lobster increased slightly compared with the same period in 2015. Total imports were 3% higher at 58,000 tonnes. The main changes were a 26.6% increase in Chinese imports to 10,000 tonnes, and an 11% drop in US imports to 24,900 tonnes. FAO said that practically this drop was due to lower Canadian exports to the US.
SALMON EXPORTS STAGNANT
Norwegian seafood export volume falls, value rises in Feb.
Norwegian seafood exports in February decreased 19% to 196,000 tonnes, but export value rose 6% to NOK7.5 billion (US$883.175 million), the Norwegian Seafood Council reported.
During the first two months Norway exported 374,000 tonnes of seafood worth NOK15.1 billion ($1.778 billion), or a decline of 59,000 tonnes and a growth NOK1.3 billion ($153.09 million) in value.
"Salmon prices fell slightly in February, but the average price of NOK 64.11 per kg was still NOK9 higher than February last year. A little later cod seepage caused the volumes to be reduced in February as well, although here, too, prices were higher than in the same month last year. The export value of Norwegian clipfish increased in February", explained Norwegian Seafood Council communications director Geir Håvard Hanssen.
Norway exported 72,800 tonnes of salmon worth NOK4.9 billion ($576.9 million) in February.
Hanssen said the total volume of salmon exports in February were the same as in February last year, adding that exports to the EU fell by 3,900 tonnes, while the total decline was 800 tonnes. Salmon exports to the US accounted for increased exports to non-EU countries, he said.
The value of Norwegian salmon exports increased by NOK692 million, or 16%, compared with February last year. In the first two months, Norway exported 142,000 tonnes of salmon with a value of NOK10 billion ($1.177 billion).
Norwegian trout exports in February totalled 2,500 tonnes with a value of NOK187 million ($22.013 million). Overall volumes fell to 3,700 tonnes, while there was a reduction of 36%, or NOK104 million, in export value. In January-February Norway exported 5,100 tonnes of trout with a value of NOK387 million ($45.557 million). Thailand, Belarus and Japan, were the biggest markets for trout in February.
Exported herring in February totalled 30,500 tonnes with a value of NOK340 million ($40.05 million), or an increase in volume of 2,000 tonnes and a decrease in export value by NOK10 million, or 3%, from February 2016. Germany and Belarus were the main markets for herring in February.
Mackerel exports hit 26,000 tonnes with a value of NOK295 million ($34.75 million). Export volumes fell by 5,400 tonnes, while export value fell by NOK 40 million, or 12%. China and Ghana were the biggest importers of mackerel in February.
Exported king crab in February totalled 159 tonnes with a value of NOK40 million ($4.7 million), or a decrease of 104 tonnes and a decrease in value of NOK20 million, or 34%.
Prawn registered a decline of 24 tonnes to 544 tonnes, while the value of prawn exports fell NOK9 million ($1.06 million) to a total export value of NOK42 million ($4.95 million) in February.
'AFFORDABLY PRICED'
New DHA-rich fish feed ingredient set to be launched
Aquaculture firms Heliae Development and Syndel Laboratories have signed an exclusive distribution agreement to supply the aquaculture market with "Nymega", a new docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) precision formulation ingredient for feed formulators.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid key to both fish and human health. The prime source of DHA in the human diet is DHA-rich fish such as salmon. The content of DHA in farmed salmon, however, has been declining due to the replacement of fishmeal and fish oil with plant-based materials low in DHA in formulated feeds.
The partnership between Heliae and Syndel will bring algae products to aquaculture feed formulation. For over 30 years, Syndel has developed and globally marketed aquaculture chemical and pharmaceutical products, allowing Heliae, a leader in algae production technology, to expand its ability to unlock the potential of algae within the aquaculture feed market.
The aquaculture industry is on the rise as the global demand for fish increases. The global aquaculture market is valued at over US$160 billion and, according to market research, is expected to grow steadily at an estimated CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of between 3% and 5% through 2020.
Nymega, according to Len Smith, chief business officer at Heliae, is a DHA-rich alga that provides a precision tool for targeting DHA levels in feed.
"Nymega's simple profile allows formulators to target specific DHA content, providing key benefits across fish species and at multiple growth stages—at a price that is finally affordable", Smith said.
"Heliae is proud to partner with Syndel on this product launch. This agreement allows Heliae to focus on what we do best: producing algae at low cost. Syndel's experience and expertise in product development and marketing will allow this new ingredient to reach consumers quickly and efficiently", he added.
Nymega was showcased at the Aquaculture America 2917 held in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 19-22. It is expected to be available early this year, pending regulatory approval.
CONTAINS "EFISHIENCY" TIPS
Irish seafood agency issues new cost efficiency guide for processors
The Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), or Irish Sea Fisheries Board, is assisting seafood processors to operate more sustainably with the Resource Efficiency Guide, which was launched at the annual Green Awards 2017 last Feb. 21.
The guide contains great "efishiency" tips and case studies based on areas that are particularly relevant to seafood processors namely, including water usage, energy consumption, transport costs and waste management.
The information in the guide is based on learnings and best-practice procedures gained by BIM's Green Seafood Business programme team and seafood processors on resource-efficiency projects.
By working with them, BIM's Green Seafood Business team said processors can expect to save considerable costs by maximising the efficient and sustainable use of their resources. "With water representing a significant cost for seafood processors, identifying leaks in the factory can save businesses €1,000 per year based on a leak of 1 litre per minute. Energy is the largest overhead cost associated with seafood processing and transport is responsible for the majority of seafood CO2emissions" Ireland's seafood development agency said.
It said improving efficiencies in these areas presents a great opportunity to reduce emissions while increasing profit, adding that waste management is often overlooked in seafood processing as a potential area for cost savings.
"BIM recognise the importance of innovative reuse and recycling and how it can transform waste into valuable by-products", it said.
The programme has already assisted over 30 seafood companies since it began in 2012. One of the programme's participating companies, Castletownbere Fisherman's Co-op, recently won the top accolade "Green Business of the Year" at the Green Awards 2017.
To get a free on-site assessment on how sustainably your business is operating, seafood processors can download a Resource Efficiency Assessment (REA) form on www.bim.ieor email Sandra Hennessy or Tomas Cooper on greenseafood@bim.iefor more information.
ASSURING FOOD SECURITY
FAO sets session on sustainable seafood production in Boston expo
Sustainable seafood production and consumption will be the topic of a panel session organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation at the Seafood Expo North America 2017 in the US in March.
What is the current situation, where are we headed, and how can we insure that sustainable practices are adopted globally to meet future demand? These are the questions that the session, "How can market measures promote sustainable seafood production and consumption", will try to answer on March 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
To address these topics, the FAO session speakers will have presentations on the following topics:
-- An overview of the state of global fisheries and market measures as a means to facilitate sustainable value chains;
-- US import regulation to prevent IUU fish entering markets;
-- A public-private partnership to develop a benchmarking tool for third-party certification schemes;
-- Private-sector efforts to promote sustainable production and exports from developing countries; and
-- Encouraging sustainable consumption through raising consumer awareness of underutilised fish species.
According to FAO, fish as food makes an important contribution to food security and livelihoods, and the fisheries and aquaculture sector will make a vital difference in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Seafood Expo North America, which will be held in Boston, USA, on March 19-21, is an ideal venue to raise awareness and to open the discussion on challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainable production and consumption along the fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
The three-day, annual event brings together thousands of buyers and sellers from around the world to do business, network and learn about emerging issues at the conference sessions.
More information about the conference programme, panel speakers and logistics for the Seafood Expo North America can be found on its website: http://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/conference-program/.
| Sustainable seafood production and consumption will be the topic of a panel session organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation at the Seafood Expo North America 2017 in the US next month. FAO PHOTO |
ÍSLANDSBLEIKJA-OWNED
Arctic charr facility in Iceland earns BAP certification
Íslandsbleikja has become Iceland's first processing plant to attain a Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification, according to the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA).
Íslandsbleikja is the world's first Arctic charr facility—processing plant, farm or hatchery—to earn BAP certification.
The facility—located at Grindavík, on the southwest coast of Iceland—processes 2,000 tonnes of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) annually, supplied by two land-based farms and three hatcheries throughout Iceland. Íslandsbleikja markets its fresh and frozen Arctic charr to retail and food-service companies across Europe and North America.
Íslandsbleikja is owned by Samherji hf., a leading Iceland-based seafood company, with operations throughout Europe, Africa and North America. Samherji is aiming to become BAP's first land-based tank aquaculture farm.
"We are proud to be Iceland's first BAP-certified processing plant. Arctic charr is a unique product and to have BAP certification helps us fulfill the needs of environmentally conscious consumers and ultimately helps us grow our business," said Jón Kjartan Jónsson, managing director of Íslandsbleikja.
With the certification of Íslandsbleikja, there are now 13 types of farmed seafood represented in the BAP programme, in addition to aquaculture feed—Arctic charr, barramundi, channel catfish, golden pompano, grouper, mussels, pangasius, rainbow trout, red snapper, salmon, shrimp, steelhead trout and tilapia.
Iceland's first ever BAP-certified facilities, two salmon farms, came in early 2014.
'USE OF SEA LICE TREATMENT DOWN'
Cermaq releases fresh fish data in latest sustainability report
Fish health, sea lice, occupational safety and health (OHS) and compliance are topics covered by Cermaq's quarterly sustainability report.
"Our customers show a growing attention and interest in the transparency about the products and our production. Providing fresh data in the form of quarterly reporting is proving customers the best basis for building partnerships" Cermaq CEO Geir Molvik said.
The quarterly report bolsters Cermaq's dedication to preventive fish health and the strengthening of OHS within the industry. "The absentee rate is down in all regions and we continue to see positive developments in our health and safety work," the report said. "The 12-months survival rate for Atlantic salmon varies between the regions from 91-95 %. The use of sea lice treatment was down in all regions, and preventive measures to manage sea lice counts show positive results. In Norway, there was one escape incident with 400 escaped fish this quarter, which resulted in a total of 426 fish escaped (during) our operations in 2016…"
Wenche Grønbrekk, head of sustainability and risk in Cermaq, said, "Cermaq's approach is based on transparency, partnerships and performance. We believe a company which openly reports its results also has a better overview of risk and opportunities, a stronger basis for dialogue with stakeholders and a better ability to actually make progress on material topics".
In January, Cermaq was ranked No. 1 among the top 100 seafood companies, according to a sustainability reporting and transparency benchmark by Seafood Intelligence.
33% MORE THAN PREVIOUS YEAR
Charoen Pokphand Foods nets US$419M in 2016
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) has reported a net profit of 14.703 billion baht (US$419.13 million) in 2016, or 33% more than the previous year.
The leading livestock and aquaculture company attributed the substantial rise largely to the terrestrial animal business in Thailand, which got back to normalcy, and the gradual recovery of the shrimp industry in Thailand after being affected by the early mortality syndrome, or EMS.
The profit increase also partially came from CPF's new subsidiaries in Russia and Cambodia, together with "effective cost management mechanisms", it said.
Mr. Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO, stated that rapidly evolving situations, economic outlook and social behavior were CPF's major business challenges.
He said that by expanding business in strategic areas with growth potential, CPF aims to increase its sales by 10% this year. "Most of the growth, however, would mainly come from CPF's overseas business", he added.
CPF's board of directors also resolved to divide the company's business into two major lines, namely, the agroindustry and the food business, since CPF's sales revenues were as high as THB464.465 billion during the past year and considering the fact that "the company operates a full line of business from upstream to downstream with an extensive network covering 16 countries worldwide, where each area has an opportunity to expand its operation in each business field".
The board likewise appointed Mr. Sooksant Jiamjaiswanglerk as chief executive officer –Agroindustrial Business and co-president overseeing the agricultural business, and Mr. Sukhawat Dansermsuk as CEO – Food Business and co-president of the food business.
According to Adirek, the two businesses will strive to sustainably expand CPF's operations and will be managed in a concerted manner for maximum efficiency.
DESIGNED FOR AQUACULTURE
Evonik launches Ecobiol probiotic at VIV Asia 2017
Evonik will be expanding its portfolio in Asia with the probiotic Ecobiol®.
The product was launched at VIV Asia in Bangkok, which took place March 15-17. Ecobiol® is designed for the use in aquaculture and poultry production. The product was acquired by Evonik from the Spanish company NOREL S.A. in 2016.
Ecobiol® helps to maintain the natural gut balance and has a positive effect on the gut microbiome that has been scientifically proven (in-vitro and in-vivo).
"Ecobiol® is new in our portfolio. We are convinced of the product's high potential and its applicability in various fields by virtue of unique properties," said Emmanuel Auer, head of the animal nutrition business line at Evonik. "We consider Ecobiol® a key element towards the reduction of antibiotic growth promoters. This way, we contribute to healthy and sustainable animal nutrition."
A healthy gut prevents inflammatory diseases, whcih cause high costs in livestock management. In poultry production, enteric disorders caused by pathogenic bacteria such as clostridium perfringens, lead to a financial loss of several billion US dollars annually.
"The product Ecobiol® shows very positive results in both poultry and aquaculture, for instance under various stress conditions. That has been demonstrated in scientific studies as well as in commercial use. For our customers in South East Asia this is of focal interest, particularly in shrimp farming," said Peter Freisler, head of Gut Health Solutions.
In addition to the products Fecinor® and Ecobiol® from NOREL S.A., Evonik recently boosted its product line with GutCare® PY1, its first own developed probiotic. In January 2017, GutCare® PY1 was introduced in the US market.
Evonik's animal nutrition business line has over 60 years of experience in the manufacture of essential amino acids, and provides solutions for efficient and sustainable animal nutrition to customers in over 100 countries.
RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS
Thai Union releases 2 new fisheries videos
Thai Union Group PCL has released two new informative videos aimed at raising public awareness and understanding of fisheries and fishery improvement projects (FIPs), terms often used when discussing long-term sustainability in the oceans.
The production of these educational multimedia resources is in line with Thai Union's sustainability strategy, SeaChange®, and its aim to influence change in the global seafood industry.
"These videos will help improve understanding on the basics of what fisheries are and why FIPs are the best path toward sustainable fish," said Dr Darian McBain, Thai Union's global director of sustainable development.
"FIPs are an important platform designed to secure the sustainability of marine resources for future generations and are part of the solution to secure life in oceans. It's important we raise awareness and understanding about these subjects", she added.
Watch the first video "What is a Fishery?"
Watch the second video, "Fishery Improvement Projects".
