Consumers, innovation and sustainability in focus at Blue Wink-E 2024
On October 25, Matosinhos hosted the event Blue Wink-E 2024: Choose Blue, Live Green, promoted by B2E CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy. This meeting brought together experts and leaders from the sector to discuss the role of conscious consumption in the field of seafood.
The opening session was led by Marlos Silva, Chairman of the Board of B2E CoLAB, who highlighted the need to establish a robust link between science, innovation, and the market to realize the full potential of the Blue Bioeconomy. “Science is advancing by leaps and bounds, but the real challenge lies in translating these discoveries into practical and applicable solutions that benefit the economy, companies, and society,” he said.
The event featured two main round tables. The first, “Blue Bioeconomy Strategies to Conquer the Consumer”, moderated by RTP journalist Manuel Fernandes Silva, featured Renata Serradeiro, CEO of Flatlantic; Maria João Alegria, from Sumol+Compal; Célia Rocha, from Sense Test; and Patrícia Gonçalves, from B2E CoLAB.
The experts emphasized the need for communication and marketing strategies that use storytelling and tasting to create an emotional connection with the consumer. The path to loyalty lies not only in listening to consumers’ opinions but also in involving them in the product creation process, thus guaranteeing an enhanced sensory experience. Understanding the origin and purpose of blue bioeconomy products contributes to a stronger bond and genuine interest in sustainable options.
One of the central points of the discussion was demystifying and eliminating misinformation about the potential of aquaculture. The participants in this round table considered it crucial to train those who sell, but also those who buy, ensuring that consumers make informed choices at the point of sale. It was suggested that campaigns be created to connect consumers to the production chain, to debunk myths. Collaboration between different sectors of the blue bioeconomy and the support of independent organizations, such as the APA (Portuguese Association of Aquaculturists) and B2E CoLAB, were highlighted as fundamental to promoting changes in mentality and regulations that encourage aquaculture.
The second round table, “Blue Bioeconomy Products on the Market”, again moderated by Manuel Fernandes Silva, featured Michelin-starred chef Arnaldo Azevedo, Pedro Silva, R&D Manager at TMG Textiles, Leonor Almeida Garrett, from Continente Food Lab, and Helena Abreu, president of the International Seaweed Association.
The discussion also covered the potential of marine resources, such as seaweed and fish by-products, to create new product categories. The reuse of fishing nets and seaweed to extract pigments was highlighted, showing that the reuse of materials has already become a reality in the sector.
The speakers stressed the importance of a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach, reinforcing the “One Health” concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The role of companies in innovation and sustainability was another topic discussed. Participants analyzed the impact of large retail chains and the agri-food sector in promoting blue bioeconomy products, citing examples of successful partnerships between innovation and the market.
Blue Wink-E 2024 reaffirmed the relevance of the blue bioeconomy as a vital approach to sustainable development, highlighting the fundamental role that all sectors of society must play to ensure a more sustainable future, where choosing blue means living green.
