Blue Wink-E 2024: Confirmed Speakers
The Blue Wink-E 2024, scheduled for the 25th of October at the Infante D. Henrique Auditorium in Matosinhos, promises to be a landmark event for the blue bioeconomy in Portugal. Under the theme “Choose Blue, Live Green,” the event will bring together leaders, innovators, and experts to focus on strategies for winning over consumers and exploring opportunities in the market for sustainable marine products. With a rich programme, it will feature renowned speakers who will share their knowledge and experiences, driving sustainable development in this emerging field.
Full programme here.
RENATA SERRADEIRO
Flatlantic
Renata Serradeiro, the CEO of Flatlantic and founder of Riasearch, is one of the most influential figures in the aquaculture sector in Portugal. Flatlantic is the largest flatfish production unit in Europe. Adhering to high standards of animal welfare and sustainability, it produces over 3,500 tonnes of fish annually using water from the Atlantic Ocean.
MARIA JOÃO ALEGRIA
Sumol + Compal
With over 30 years of experience at Sumol + Compal, Maria João Alegria currently serves as Manager of Applied Research at the company’s Research and Development Directorate. A graduate in Technological Chemistry from the University of Lisbon, she has played a key role in bridging academia and the business sector, promoting innovation in the FMCG industry.
CÉLIA ROCHA
Sense Test
An expert in Sensory Analysis, Célia Rocha leads the Research and Development team at Sense Test. With a solid background in Nutritional Sciences and a PhD in this field, Célia is dedicated to understanding consumer preferences and sensory perceptions. Since joining Sense Test in 2019, she has been instrumental in sensory testing and supporting new product development for various companies in the food industry, ensuring that products launched in the market meet consumer expectations.
PATRÍCIA GONÇALVES
Marketing and Communication B2E CoLAB
With over 20 years of experience, Patrícia Gonçalves serves as the Marketing and Communication Manager at B2E CoLAB. Her mission is to connect science, innovation, and business in the field of Blue Bioeconomy. She develops strategic campaigns that not only highlight the projects of the CoLAB but also foster effective interaction among partners, collaborators, and the public. Her primary challenge is to transform complex concepts into accessible and impactful narratives, engaging both the public and consumers.
ARNALDO AZEVEDO
Chef
Michelin-starred Chef Arnaldo Azevedo began his culinary journey at his family’s restaurant in Ermesinde, where he developed a passion for cooking. After completing culinary school at Santa Maria da Feira Hotel School, he gained experience in Porto and the Algarve, shaping his creative approach to cuisine. Since 2019, he has led the kitchen at Vila Foz restaurant, where he earned his first Michelin star in 2022. His cuisine pays tribute to fresh, sustainable seafood.
PEDRO SILVA
TMG Textiles
Pedro Silva, Director of Research and Development at TMG Textiles, holds a master’s degree in Textile Engineering from the University of Minho, specialising in advanced structures. Throughout his career, Pedro has excelled in developing new products and processes in the textile sector, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. At TMG Textiles, he leads the development of new fibres and fabrics, with applications across various sectors, including technical apparel and the automotive industry, driving circular economy efforts in the industry.
LEONOR ALMEIDA GARRETT
Sonae MC
Currently leading the Continente Food Lab, Leonor Almeida Garrett is an innovation manager with extensive experience in the food retail sector. She has been with Sonae MC since 2014, where she held roles in category management before now heading food innovation projects. At Continente Food Lab, Leonor is at the forefront of identifying new consumer trends and implementing sustainable development strategies, aligning business goals with social impact.
HELENA ABREU
International Seaweed Association (ISA)
Helena Abreu, President of the International Seaweed Association (ISA) and Member of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Global Seaweed Coalition, is a marine biologist, specialized in seaweed that moved from academy to business when co-founded ALGAplus in 2011, a pioneering organic-certified IMTA farm in Portugal, focused on sustainable seaweed production for food and cosmetics, that she headed until 2022. Currently, she looks to drive the development of the sector by fostering literacy and bridging the gaps in the seaweed value chain, matching species, farmers, and end-users. As President of the ISA, a non-profit organization, Helena leads its mission to promote applied phycology globally, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, and other entities involved in seaweed-related activities. Part of its initiatives includes organizing the International Seaweed Symposium since 1952.
