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Macroalgae manufacturer Marine Biologics has acquired Spoitz Enterprises, a Canadian firm known for its work in macroalgae biochemical engineering.

This strategic move aims to bolster Marine Biologics’ capabilities in developing novel applications for macroalgae across the food, cosmetics and materials sectors.

The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Marine Biologics’ molecular data platform, facilitating the discovery of new product solutions.

“Bringing together these talented teams enables us to solve critical bottlenecks in the macroalgae supply chain,” said Marine Biologics’s CEO Patrick Griffin. “The acquisition puts us on the path to making macroalgae the innovation workhorse for the bioeconomy.”

Spoitz Enterprises is recognised for its advanced post-harvest technology and compositional data analysis, which are essential for optimising macroalgae processing.

The integration of Spoitz’s expertise with Marine Biologics’ product development resources is anticipated to lead to innovative solutions tailored to the food and beverage industry, specifically targeting taste and functionality challenges.

As part of the acquisition, Spoitz will operate as a subsidiary of Marine Biologics, continuing to offer its advanced testing services and quality management solutions.

The collaboration will also involve the newly established Berkeley Innovation Lab, which aims to accelerate the acquisition and analysis of data to inform the design of new molecular structures. This lab will play a critical role in unlocking new product designs that leverage macroalgae's unique properties.

Spencer Serin, CEO of Spoitz Enterprises, added: “The veteran team at Marine Biologics delivers unmatched commercial and product expertise to the macroalgae sector. We are convinced the next blockbuster product will come from this team.”

The acquisition aligns with growing industry trends toward sustainable sourcing and the increasing demand for innovative ingredients in food and beverage manufacturing.

As consumer preferences shift towards more environmentally friendly options, macroalgae presents a promising alternative for product developers seeking to enhance sustainability while maintaining quality.

With this acquisition, Marine Biologics is poised to lead advancements in the macroalgae sector, potentially transforming the landscape of food and beverage innovation.