Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BLUECAL (Sustainable calcium food additives and dietary supplements of high pureness to boost the ocean clam fisheries)
Teaser
A calcium-rich diet is very important for building and maintaining strong bones and for preventing the risk of osteoporosis that affect to more than 200 million of people worldwide. In this context, products fortified with calcium are arising as a relevant help to combat...
Summary
A calcium-rich diet is very important for building and maintaining strong bones and for preventing the risk of osteoporosis that affect to more than 200 million of people worldwide. In this context, products fortified with calcium are arising as a relevant help to combat calcium intake deficiencies in the average diet. Calcium fortification is predominantly done with calcium carbonate obtained through mining limestone, at an average price of €1/kg. However this is a water and energy intensive process, strongly impact on the environment. Other natural substitutes coming from marine resources are not sustainable and in some cases cost intensive, resulting in market prices for calcium carbonate around €100-300/kg not profitable for the food industry. ICECAL has developed BLUECAL that consists of a new industrial value chain to exploit at very low costs and minimal environmental impact the Ocean Quahog Clam (Arctica islandica) as a sustainable source of calcium carbonate to be commercialized as calcium ingredient in the food and feed industry at a price of €2.5/kg.
Work performed
During our feasibility study we have defined the technical requirements to scale up the BLUECAL process and final optimization of the Mineral Mind to ensure no heavy metal contamination. We have elaborated an Execution Plan with risk analysis for the development of BLUECAL. Commercially, we have performed a throughout analysis of our target market, focused mainly on the calcium fortified food segment. We have assessed potential partnership with local fisheries and distributors to consolidate our value chain. Moreover, we have updated our Freedom-to-Operate and evaluated our IPR strategy. Finally, on the economic side, financial forecasts, based on the most business model strategy and price policy, we have been drafted to evaluate on a 5-year-projection.
Final results
BLUECAL result in a revitalization of the ocean quahog clam fishery. ICECAL will procure shells that would otherwise be discarded as waste. It will enable a 100% increase of the price in harbor value, making these fisheries lucrative instead of zero profit industry.
With BLUECAL food manufacturers will make a profit through the price premium obtained by the use of a natural and sustainable ingredient, highly demanded by consumers.
Bluecal will contribute to reduce impact of bone disease, preventing bone mineral loss and lowering the risk of fractures associated to osteoporosis.
Website & more info
More info: http://www.icecal.is.