Algaia, a marine-ingredients company focused on the development and production of seaweed extracts, has signed a distribution agreement with AIDP, Inc.
Algaia, based in Paris, France and majority-owned by Maabarot Products Ltd., has produced and marketed seaweed extracts such as alginate, carrageenan and others for more than 40 years. It has a research and development center in Normandy, France and a production facility located in Brittany.
California, U.S.A.-based AIDP will lead efforts to market Algaia in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The partnership will begin on 1 June, 2017, according to the agreement, which was finalized at the Vitafoods expo in Geneva, Switzerland.
“We are delighted that AIDP will represent Algaia in the region and that we can add Algaia’s portfolio to our offering of products focused on meeting consumer demand for natural, wellness and health products,” AIDP President Mark Thurston said. “Our commitment is to source and supply high-quality ingredients backed by research, and provide proprietary solutions that address formulation challenges in mainstream food, functional food and beverages.”
In January 2017, Algaia acquired Cargill’s alginates business and manufacturing plant and performed a significant restructuring.
“This distribution partnership is a major step forward for Algaia, supporting our growth ambitions for [the] U.S.A., Canada and Mexico,” Algaia CEO Fabrice Bohin said. “We are anticipating double-digit growth. Together with AIDP, we will be able to provide expanded service to our customers requiring alginates, while developing new opportunities for our algae-based ingredients line.”
