The Irish seaweed industry has historically focused on supplying raw materials but is now diversifying into higher value products. [1] It peaked in the 1970s with over 100,000 tonnes of production annually but has since consolidated to around 25,000 tonnes, still dominated by agriculture. [2] Recent investment and new entrants have emerged alongside a greater research focus on value-added products in food, cosmetics, and animal feed. [3] Fully realizing commercial opportunities requires addressing gaps in mechanization, standards, marketing, and innovation through industry collaboration and support.

3. David Millard
Aquaculture Development Division, BIM

4. Setting the Scene
An overview of the Irish Seaweed Industry
Máirtín Walsh
BIM

5. • Historical Context
• Recent Years
• Current Situation
• Opportunities and Challenges for the future

6. Historical Context
• Long history of use of seaweed in Ireland.
• Recognized “industry” established in 1947 with Arramara
Teoranta. (2 plants, Donegal & Galway)
• Industry peaks in 1970s with annual production of approx.
100,000 tonnes. (6-10 factories)
• Production comprised mainly of A. nodosum, L. hyperborea
and L. digitata.
• Industry was focused on supplying raw materials for the
Food processing sectors and the Agriculture and
Horticulture sectors.
• Commodity Industry with relatively few value added
initiatives undertaken.

7. Recent Years
• Industry has consolidated in recent years.
• Production has stabilised at 25,000t/annum.
• Industry dominated by Agricultural and Horticultural
Sectors. (>90% production)
• New entrants in the sector.
• Remains an Export focused industry.
• Emergence of greater focus on value add & research.
• Emergence of high value added niches like gourmet food
and cosmetics.
• Emergence of Aquaculture as source of seaweed.

8. Current Situation
• Agriculture Sector still dominates the industry but other sectors
showing progress.
• Recent Investment in Sector from abroad.
• National Seaweed Harvesting Licencing system undergoing very
significant change. (DECLG/Local Authorities)
• Mechanical harvesting still under consideration.
• Ireland has largest manual seaweed harvesting industry in Europe.
• Numerous new entrants and entrepreneurs have entered the
industry and continue to do so.
• Aquaculture continues to grow and diversify.

9. Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for seaweed businesses.
The key is to effectively match research, production &
processing capabilities with market and consumer trends to
deliver innovative, exciting, functional products.
We must match our products to the market and not try to
“move” the market to accept our products.

10. Opportunities
Consumers of seaweed are very diverse and their priorities
can be very different but with some overlap;
Functionality. (Raw material & Ingredients)
Scientific Research. (Proven benefits)
Sustainability and Ecological Standards. (Ethics)
Indulgence & Luxury. (Exclusivity & Quality)
Taste and Gourmet. (Award winners etc.)
New flavours and bold ideas. (Vegetarian food, food trends
like Natural foods, Dairy free, Lactose free etc.)

11. Opportunities
Commodity
Raw
Material
Processed
Agricultural
Products
Sea Veg. &
Dried
Seaweed
Functional
Foods
Nutritional
Supplements
Cosmetics &
Therapies
Veterinary
Products
Medical
Applications
Value (Complexity)

12. Food
Food Products:
Wholesale Prices for seaweeds generally quite strong.
We generally produce dried & milled products, these are
expensive in terms of energy consumption and labour inputs and
do not lend themselves strongly to innovation.
They are generally cheaper and simpler in terms of capital set up
costs and packaging etc.
We must look at mechanising our processing, transferring
technology from other food sectors and producing “wet”
products where possible to reduce energy/labour costs.
Opportunities; Prepared soups, Beverages, Sauces, Inclusion with
Seafood, Specialist dietary products, Additives.
Innovation, clever packaging & efficiency is vital.

13. Skincare
Cosmetics & Therapies
High Quality and Natural Cosmetics offer diverse opportunities.
Market Research to Identify the priorities of the end user is key in
this sector.
Product Quality, Revolutionary Product Innovation, Standards,
Novel and Innovative Product formats, Novel applications and
delivering an engaging company “back-story” vital in this sector.
Contract manufacturing negates need for high Capital investment.
Raw material must be of very high quality.
Right first time is vital here, second chances are rare.

14. Veterinary
Animal Welfare & Pet Products
Veterinary and Animal welfare is a very interesting sector, worthy
of strong consideration by our sector.
Strong growth in this sector.
Growing Organic sub-sector.
Animal welfare increasingly important at all levels.
Better understanding of nutritional needs.
Humanization of pet products.
Recession proof.
Research.. Research.. Research

15. Realising the Commercial Opportunity
Opportunities exist in the Seaweed Industry, however a
number key requirements must be met to achieve the full
commercial benefit.
These requirements may appear numerous and complex but
our industry meets most or all of the these every day.
We have some key gaps which we must address.
We must adapt and where necessary change.

16. Realising the Commercial Opportunity
Raw Material Processing Innovation Research Marketing
Aquaculture Highest Food Standards Partners Partners Identify the User
Target Markets Food Safety Guidelines Innovation Centre (SDC) Research Progs. Clear Message
Entrants Processing Guidelines Market Research Funding Marketing Support
Licences Staff Training Product Testing Implementation Comms. Support
Technical Support Technology Research Inputs Publish Results Trade Development
Training Funding Marketing Capabilities Communication of Ongoing Promotion
Harvesting Recognition Communications Results & Benefits
Target Markets Energy Management Innovation Capability
Entrants Continuing Innovation
Licences
Community Support
Training

17. Overcoming Challenges
Implement Gold Standard Food Safety System.
Above and beyond what we must do as per the Law.
Do we develop a National Seaweed Processing Manual?
Do we introduce “Standardised” Processing Techniques.
Do Introduce Training Systems and Relevant Awards for
Processing sector?
There is a clear need for the Industry to go on a mechanisation
drive for the processing sector.
We must publicize and leverage the introduction of new
enhanced standards after implementation.
Do we pursue Integration with wider Food Industry?

18. Community / Small Enterprise
• Small Enterprise and Community Enterprises are vital for
the future of the Seaweed Industry.
• Loss of Coastal Population, Employment, Skills and Heritage
have been identified by the EU as a major issue for member
states.
• Seaweed can play it’s part in preserving coastal
communities and generating income for communities.

19. A Coop Model?

20. Q & A Session

21. Coffee/Networking

23. Discussion and Close