Innovation and entrepreneurship have always been integral to Aker BioMarine’s DNA. In recent years, we have expanded our pipeline of exciting science and innovation projects that will drive the krill category forward.
Our science and innovation strategy stands on three pillars:
- Value Innovation
- Market Innovation
- Greenfield Innovation.
A key factor driving our products’ strong growth has been our effective documentation of the health and nutrition benefits of krill. Value propositions throughout the Superba and QRILL product segments – whether for people, pets, or aquaculture – continue to expand as a result of these new and ongoing scientific projects.
Market innovation explores groundbreaking science that could drive demand and launch new market segments. Aker BioMarine, in partnership with the Oslo University Hospital, has been investigating the effects of supplementation with krill oil (a rich source of phosphatidylcholine) on serum levels of choline and its metabolites in athletes competing in triathlons of varying distances. Such real performance studies can inspire new role models among young people, as buyers of omega-3 supplements have been typically women around 50 years of age. Businesswise, such studies expand the customer base, but they are even more important for society because they could help prevent lifestyle diseases before they become irreversible.
Also, we have conducted evaluation testing under tough conditions on man’s best friend. Data collected from a QRILL Pet trial involving dogs competing in the Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska showed less muscle damage and significantly less inflammation among the dogs that consumed QRILL Pet compared with the control group.
These Superba and QRILL studies do more than just grab the headlines. They add value to current omega-3 documentation and are proof that our products are improving human and animal health.
Lastly, our Greenfield Innovation projects explore completely new areas suitable for high-value krill-derived products. Our multi-disciplinary teams push the envelope to imagine and develop new product entries to deliver improved social, environmental and commercial results. Going forward, we plan to commercialize one of several products in our innovation pipeline.
“Our multi-disciplinary teams push the envelope to imagine and develop new product entries to deliver improved social, environmental and commercial results”
SHAUNA MCNEILL, EVP Innovation
