During the May 13th seminar, Dillingham identified overarching food trends typical in today’s marketplace; which included superior taste, functional benefits, and portion size. In addition, he covered the need to reduce “bad” (sodium, HFCS, fat) and increase “good” (natural, new flavours, health benefits), easier to use/open packaging, and attractive “greener” options also popular among consumers.

The presentation concluded with a concrete innovation rule, which is simply - you don’t have to have the resources in-house, or a project development budget like “the big guys”. Use your ingredient and/or flavour house suppliers, packaging vendors, research networks, and food development centres as your access to innovation and a means to keep your products relevant in today’s marketplace.

An article authored by Strategro Principal Steve Dillingham on the future potential of marine ingredients towards the cosmetic and personal care market, was recently featured by Inside Cosmeceuticals. 

The article can be viewed: HERE

New marine ingredient offers multiple applications including gentle exfoliation and moisturizing, shown to accelerate new skin cell growth

Strategro client Aqua Bio Technology AS (ABT), a Norwegian marine biotechnology company developing innovative active ingredients for the global personal care industry, today announced the global launch of ZONASE X™, a natural anti-aging ingredient composed of marine peptides and unique, non-toxic marine enzymes.  Following successful launch in the highly demanding Scandinavian market, ZONASE X™ is now ready for the global market.   

The primary benefit of the unique ZONASE X is gentle, yet effective exfoliation, making it a safe and natural alternative to α-hydroxy acid, harsh fruit enzyme peels, and other potentially caustic exfoliating agents. In addition, the ingredient has shown excellent moisturizing properties, allowing for accelerated skin cell growth.  “The anti-aging category is driving the market, with forecasts of double-digit growth over the next five years,” said Thor Arne Talseth, Executive Chairman.  “Our testing shows that all-natural ZONASE X is as effective as other exfoliants on the market – yet does not have the same abrasive qualities and is far gentler on the skin. It also offers a moisturizing benefit, providing additional value.  These positive attributes have been very well-received during Scandinavian launch, and we believe this unique discovery could quickly become a dominant ingredient within the anti-aging segment.” 

ZONASE X was first discovered at the salmon fish hatcheries in Norway, where hatchery staff members had surprisingly smooth hands – despite being immersed in intensely cold water for long periods. Their smooth skin was in fact due to an enzyme in the water secreted by fish larvae inside the egg just prior to hatching. This enzyme helps to break the egg shell during hatching -- without harming the highly fragile larvae inside. Further research on this new enzyme indicated that the egg shell had a protein structure akin to corneum proteins of human skin.  Thus, the connection to the smooth hands was made – and a new, natural and gentle exfoliant was discovered.

ABT has patented and trademarked the commercial product, and utilizing proprietary technologies, is currently separating and purifying the natural raw material originating from the hatchery waters (not harming the fish, larvae or eggs in the process). ZONASE X is considered the only non-toxic, non-promiscuous protease available for use in the cosmetic market. It has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy by the company, and is now being offered to personal care manufacturers in the global market as a new, natural and gentle anti-aging ingredient for exfoliating and moisturizing applications. 

About Aqua Bio Technology ASA

Aqua Bio Technology is a Norwegian marine biotechnology firm specializing in the discovery and manufacturing of marine-based ingredients for the personal care and life science industry. The company is headquartered in Bergen, Norway and is listed on Oslo Axess under the ticker ABT.

www.aquabiotechnology.com  

Steve Dillingham, Prinicipal of Strategro International, LLC, with headquarters in West Orange, NJ, was recently invited to participate in a roundtable discussion sponsored by the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. 

An article on cluster collaboration, written by Strategro partners Steve Dillingham and Rune Nilssen, was recently published in Life Science Cluster Magazine. The article compares different cluster collaboration models from several life science clusters, based on interviews conducted by the team.

The publication asked the two to share their perspective on the topic, based on their experience working with clusters internationally to stimulate innovation and develop growth. Dillingham and Nilssen's cluster development work is provided through their sister agency Accelligent Management Group, www.accelligent.com, which focuses solely on cluster growth strategies and helping clients improve cluster development efforts and initiatives.  

 

Strategro client Lumigreen was recently mentioned in The Morning Call and Wall Street Journal, based on the progress with their LED lighting system for high end turf in the US. Strategro introduced Lumigreen to Andrew McNitt, Penn State professor and technical adviser to the NFL Groundskeepers Association. Mcnitt has been conducting the biological research on the system now being testing by the Philadelphia Eagles. 

More info  

The new Aquapreneur.com website was developed to provide a more dynamic platform for site users interested in tracking commercial developments within the marine biotech, marine ingredients, and value-added seafood byproducts markets.

In addition, Strategro launched an Aquapreneur professional networking group on LinkedIn, to faciliate additional collaboration and communications among the Aquapreneur readership. Those interested to join can do so here: Aquapreneur Networking Group