The biotechnology company Aker BioMarine has entered into agreements in New Zealand and France that secure production of high-value krill oil.
“We have an optimal value chain – spanning from sustainable krill harvesting through efficient extraction of high-value products,” says Aker BioMarine’s President and CEO Helge Midttun. “Achieving optimal extraction of health-promoting ingredients from raw materials is key.”
Aker BioMarine has entered into a development and production agreement with Nutrizeal Ltd. in New Zealand for extraction of krill oil from krill meal. The production process extracts high concentrations of marine phospholipids, Omega 3 and the antioxidant astaxanthin.
Further, Aker BioMarine has entered into an agreement with Nutrazeal that secures increased production capacity and the right to acquire 35 percent of Nutrazeal’s shares. Such an investment would amount to about NOK 20 million.
In France, Aker BioMarine has entered into an agreement with Naturex s.a for extraction of krill oil from krill meal, using a different production process than that of Nutrazeal. This agreement provides Aker BioMarine with greater flexibility as to selling its products in various markets.
The two agreements secure the sales volumes planned for 2008.
Aker BioMarine will introduce its krill oil products for dietary supplement and nutraceutical markets and for worldwide aquaculture markets in the first quarter of 2008.
