Founded in 2015 by marine biologist Dr Craig Rose, Seaweed & Co has created multiple signature seaweed products and brands, and is now a leading supplier of nutritional supplements and seaweed ingredients across Europe.
The business, which is based in Whitley Bay, has recently welcomed Mario Patrocollo, advisor to the Co-COO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, as chairman of the board to assist the company on its growth journey and global expansion.
According to global market insights, it’s estimated that the entire seaweed industry is currently worth more than $6bn and is projected to surpass $85bn by 2026.
For Craig, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of Mario, who has notable experience of managing and developing large global businesses, is a key strategic step towards tapping further into this lucrative market.
Dr Rose – also known as “Doctor Seaweed” – said: “We are delighted to welcome Mario to the team at a time when we are expanding into new product sectors and geographies.
“His experience in pharmaceuticals, OTC and FMCG, not only with multi-nationals at the highest strategic level but also with fast growing start-up challenger companies, will help us take advantage of the huge potential for seaweed in general and our unique set-up in particular.
“We are incredibly excited to have him involved and learn from the phenomenal experience and expertise he will bring to the team.”
Craig Huntingdon, a partner at Scaleup North East, has been working alongside “Doctor Seaweed” and his team for a number of years, helping to strategically shape growth plans for their range of products.
When addressing future plans for the business, developing proprietary technologies and maturing commercialisation goals was key to growth.
When recalling the support provided by the programme, Craig said: “Working with Scaleup North East has given us access to some really valuable support, and is a great way to be part of promoting the value and aspirations of the wider region and what it can offer.”
In addition to their initial Weed & Wonderful nutritional supplement range, Seaweed & Co has also developed its PureSea® ingredients range which consists of highly innovative micro-encapsulated seaweed as an ingredient for food and beverage manufacturers.
Products are now available from multiple leading retailers including Boots and Holland & Barrett, as well as directly from QVC, Amazon and the business’ own website.
RTC North is delivering Scaleup North East in conjunction with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is aimed at supporting North East-based businesses that can demonstrate both the hunger and the potential to achieve high levels of growth. Visit scaleupnortheast.co.uk for more details.