On October 18 and 19, Portugal will welcome representatives from innovation clusters in Norway and Iceland for a pioneering event in Portugal, aimed at promoting the marine co-products industry. The visit is part of the “Roadmap4MarineCoproducts – Towards the Future in the Valorization of Marine Resources” project, funded by the EEA Grants under the Bilateral Relations Fund and coordinated by B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy (B2E CoLAB).

Norway and Iceland are leaders in maximizing the value of each fish, transforming fish waste into useful and value-added products. “This exchange not only benefited the Portuguese industry, but also contributed to the promotion of the marine co-products sector in Portugal. The sharing of knowledge between different countries could lead to the identification of opportunities for collaboration, investment, and business partnerships with investors from Norway and Iceland, who have significant experience in this sector,” explains Maria Coelho, executive coordinator of B2E CoLAB.

It is a project, she adds, “that is a testament to the commitment that B2E CoLAB has been making to identify, value, and leverage the co-products generated by blue bioeconomy activities. Instead of looking at these resources as ‘by-products’ or ‘waste’, we prefer to see them as valuable assets that have a lot to offer our economy and the environment.

Representatives from the Norwegian Seafood Innovation Cluster (NCE Seafood Innovation) and the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC) visited the canning companies Ramirez & Cª (Filhos), SA, and Portugal Norte. This provided an opportunity to learn about the operations and approaches of Portuguese companies with regard to the valorization of marine co-products, but also to share the best practices developed in Norway and Iceland.

At a time when data shows that more than 10 million tons of fish waste worldwide is discarded despite its quality, the use of fish heads, bones, and skin presents valuable opportunities to promote circularity and the emergence of new value chains. An interesting example of the potential of this sector comes from Iceland, where 100% of cod is used: the fillets for food consumption, and everything else (bones, skin) has various uses in industries such as nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals, and in the textile and footwear sector, in addition to traditional fishmeal.

On the afternoon of October 18, a networking conference on the Valorization of Marine Co-products was also held. The event was attended by representatives from the Norwegian cluster, Björgolfur Hávardsson and Cathrine Ulvatn, and the Icelandic cluster, Alexandra Leeper, as well as experts and leaders from national and international companies in the field of marine co-products: Maria João Mota (Innovation Manager at Soja de Portugal), André Almeida (R&D and Business Director at ETSA), Luísa Valente (ICBAS professor and CIIMAR researcher), Tiago Henrique Silva (principal researcher at the University of Minho/3B’s Research)

The opening session was chaired by Marta Pontes, Councilor for Economic Activities at Matosinhos City Council.

About B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy:

B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy is a Portuguese private non-profit organization that aims to add value to the economy and society. In the field of the blue bioeconomy – aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and living marine resources – B2E CoLAB operates in various fields, such as cooperation and collaboration with associates (research centers, universities, companies, and technological interfaces) and national and international stakeholders, advising producers and entrepreneurs on seeking and obtaining financial support, tailored HR training, strategy development and market analysis, knowledge protection and enhancement, promotion, and communication.

About Ramirez:

Ramirez & Cª (Filhos), SA, which is celebrating 170 years of activity, is the oldest fish canning industry in the world still in operation, and at the same time the most modern and environmentally friendly unit in the sector. Led by the fifth generation of the family of the same name, Ramirez produces more than 200 products and markets 17 own brands, most of which are over a century old, to 60 markets. Food safety, the circular economy (with the valorization of co-products), and sustainable production (sustainable fishing, organic products, green energy, and use of rainwater) are the cornerstones of its activity. All production is powered by green energy, with 40% of the electricity generated internally through photovoltaic panels. The remaining electricity required comes from the grid, but with green certification guaranteed. In addition, it uses sustainable methods to produce heat, opting for the use of forest biomass or natural gas. It also values rainwater, which is stored and later used in the factory and can washing circuit. To strengthen its commitment to the environment, and with the aim of becoming energy self-sufficient, in 2024 it will invest in the installation of new photovoltaic panels, achieving self-production that will cover 60% of its electricity needs. This investment will give it a capacity of 900 megawatts. With 220 employees, it produces around 50 million cans annually.

About Conservas Portugal Norte

Founded in 1912, CONSERVAS PORTUGAL NORTE, LDA. is a family business with a long tradition in the production and sale of canned fish, namely sardines, tuna, and mackerel, among others, in a wide variety of sauces and presentations. Its factory is located in Matosinhos, Portugal, very close to the fishing port, which guarantees a daily supply of fresh fish.

Over the years, it has combined the constant development of innovative products with maintaining the quality of the Portuguese tradition in canned fish, always maximizing the excellent taste of its products. All stages of the production process, from the careful selection of raw materials to effective production control, are part of a rigorous process of analysis and control of critical points (HACCP). Portugal Norte owns the brands “PORTHOS,” “INÊS,” and “CONSERVEIRA,” among others, and is recognized around the world for the quality of its products. Always concerned with the needs of its customers, the main objective of this company is to offer a healthy product (completely natural, without any preservatives and very rich in Omega-3), of excellent quality and at competitive prices.

About EEA Grants:

Through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are partners in the internal market with the Member States of the European Union. As a way of promoting a continuous and balanced strengthening of economic and trade relations, the parties to the EEA Agreement have established a multi-annual Financial Mechanism, known as EEA Grants. The EEA Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthen bilateral relations between these three countries and the beneficiary countries. For the period 2014-2021, a total contribution of €2.8 billion has been agreed for 15 beneficiary countries. Portugal will benefit from €102.7 million.