by Costa Skotidas and Jyothsna Nelloolichalil, International Aquafeed, UK
In the evolving landscape of animal nutrition, the use of innovative and sustainable solutions has never been more critical. Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT), a pioneering feed company with its headquarters in London, stands at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging the potent properties of seaweed to enhance animal health and productivity.
Ocean Harvest Technology was established with a clear mission to research and commercialise the diverse applications of seaweeds. Initially focused on various sectors, the company has now honed in on animal and fish nutrition. The driving force behind OHT’s products is extensive research demonstrating that polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds in different types of seaweed act as prebiotics in animals. This research has consistently shown significant benefits, including higher growth rates, lower mortality, and greater feed efficiency across various animal trials.
A Natural Solution: Ocean AquaFeed
One of OHT’s flagship products is Ocean AquaFeed, a natural feed additive that sets itself apart from conventional products. Unlike many feed additives that rely on synthetic ingredients and preservatives, Ocean AquaFeed is entirely natural. The seaweeds are harvested from their natural habitats, processed into various forms such as powder, pellets, or crumbles, and have an impressive shelf life of up to three years. This all-natural approach not only ensures the purity of the product but also meets the growing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
Their CEO Mark William elaborates, “We’ve consistently seen through the animal trials that we’ve done, for aqua products and others, that this product leads to higher growth rates, lower mortality and greater feed efficiency. And so the business now is very much about maximizing the commercial expansion of blended seaweed product into aquaculture and other animal nutrition sectors.
“And it has three years shelf life. So that’s for me, being around that industry for over ten years, absolutely unique. It is very well perceived by the market and customers. It’s the first product I’ve seen in the additive business that is being actively searched and asked for.”
Ongoing trials also suggest promising results in addressing industry-specific challenges such as sea lice, further enhancing the product’s value proposition.
Competitive Edge Through Innovation
A significant milestone for OHT was the recent acquisition of a new patent for its Ocean Feeding Brandon products. This patent underscores the company’s competitive edge, covering the key commercial claims that OHT’s blended seaweed additives act as prebiotics, leading to higher growth rates, greater feed efficiency, and lower mortality across a wide range of species. The breadth of this patent not only protects OHT’s innovative formulations but also serves as external validation of their status in the field.
Sustainable Sourcing and Global Reach
Sustainability is at the core of OHT’s operations. The seaweeds used in their products are sourced globally and are predominantly invasive wild-blooming varieties. These seaweeds, which thrive on excess nutrients from agricultural and human activities, can be ecologically damaging if left unchecked. By harvesting these invasive species, OHT not only mitigates environmental damage but also creates a sustainable supply of raw materials.
“It protects pretty much the whole scope of the business that we have. I think it also demonstrates, because it’s such a wide ranging patent, to me is as close as you can get as an external verification of first mover advantage”, says Mark.
The company’s initial manufacturing facility in Vietnam has expanded its sourcing to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as Eastern Africa. This global diversification of the supply chain ensures a steady and sustainable supply of seaweed, enabling OHT to meet growing demand while maintaining environmental integrity.
Future Prospects and Strategic Investments
OHT’s stock price has seen a significant rise, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction and market potential. The company continues to invest in three core areas – sales and marketing, supply chain, and intellectual property development. By expanding sales channels, diversifying supply sources, and investing in ongoing research and trials, OHT aims to demonstrate new applications and benefits of its products.
One notable trial involved shrimp, where OHT’s product demonstrated significant performance benefits, including improved survivability in the presence of disease challenges. Ocean Harvest Technology exemplifies how scientific research and sustainable practices can converge to create ground breaking solutions in animal nutrition. By harnessing the natural power of seaweed, OHT is not only improving animal health and productivity but also contributing to environmental sustainability. As the company continues to expand its global reach and innovate, it stands poised to lead the way in the next generation of animal nutrition.
