The Thai Union Group PCL and Corbion, a specialist in algae-based feed ingredients, have extended the use of AlgaPrime DHA, an omega-3 rich algae feed ingredient, in Thai Union shrimp feed following a successful large-scale trial in 2019
The enhanced partnership is a pivotal moment for both shrimp farmers and other seafood producers, as it validates another success in the use of alternative, sustainable feed ingredients on a scale.
As one of the fastest-growing species in the aquaculture industry, farmed shrimp currently account for 55% of global shrimp production, providing an unprecedented opportunity to drive sustainable growth.
The expanded adoption of AlgaPrime DHA by the Thai Union Feedmill PCL reflects a priority for the use of traceable, reliable and sustainable ingredients. As an additional source of omega-3s, AlgaPrime DHA is a native, whole algae ingredient containing high levels of omega-3 DHA, approximately twice as high as the omega-3s found in commonly used fish oils.
AlgaPrime DHA is a clean ingredient that is sustainably produced by fermentation with non-GM cane sugar as a feed ingredient. It also helps to reduce pressure on marine resources and ensures security of supply of a major nutrient for growth and development of shrimp.
“At Thai Union, we value driving innovation for a sustainable seafood industry, and as such, we look to source new and innovative products that operationalise our SeaChange sustainability goals,” said Darian McBain, global director of corporate affairs and sustainability at Thai Union.
“Our expanded work with Corbion progresses our goals on responsible sourcing by making efficient use of marine resources in aquaculture feed and complementing this with the use of alternative oils and proteins. The work with Corbion is helping to provide feed solutions that support optimal nutrition, consistency and supply chain transparency for our network of shrimp farmers.”
The SeaChange Sustainability Strategy of the Thai Union is driving significant improvements across the entire global seafood industry, particularly when it comes to traceable and responsible procurement. The inclusion of AlgaPrime DHA in the feed of the Thai Union is an initiative that advances the company’s goal of bringing responsibly sourced and sustainably harvested shrimp onto the market.
Chris Haacke, global aquaculture lead at Corbion, said, “AlgaPrime DHA is positioned to change the landscape of the fast-growing sustainable shrimp aquaculture industry by offering a proven solution to farmers and seafood producers.”
Since 2016, Corbion has been producing AlgaPrime DHA on a large industrial scale relevant to the needs of the aquaculture industry.
