Microalgae ingredient firm Algatech launches subsidiary in US

Israel-based Algatech has opened its new US subsidiary Algatech Inc. to serve the North American market.

This expansion will boost sales of its leading AstaPure microalgae ingredient brand, as well as new microalgae sources that are currently in the pipeline.

The company has appointed Ken Seguine to lead US operations.

Ken Seguine served as vice-president of sales and marketing of UAS Laboratories from 2013 to this year, and was executive VP consumer products at Savesta Life Sciences.

He has more than 25 years experience in the natural products industry.

The new subsidiary will cover the US, Canada and Mexican markets.

Algatech CEO Hagai Stadler said: "We are committed to expanding our global marketing network and strengthening our presence in the NAFTA markets.

"This includes highly qualified personnel recruitment, new product developments, and growing Algatech's operating facilities in the Arava desert, Israel."

Responsible for Algatech's business development in the NAFTA markets since 2010, Gary Brenner will lead the algal protein development project as part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology consortium (EIT Food).

Algatech was selected by the EIT's Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) as sole algae producer in order to develop new food sources from microalgae using advanced technologies.

The firm plans to team up with global ingredient companies in developing plant-based protein from microalgae.