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Image credits: Zeewaar

The Seaweed Company, a Dutch company that specialises in the development of seaweed products, announced the acquisition of Zeewaar, an organically certified Dutch seaweed farm located in the Oosterschelde National Park.

With the acquisition of Zeewaar, The Seaweed Company aims to strengthen its position in the ‘Blue Food’ market to put seaweed applications and ingredients on the menu of consumers and companies in Europe. 

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Zeewaar: What you need to know

Founded in 2013 by Rebecca Wiering and Jennifer Breaton, Zeewaar produces seaweed organically in its seaweed farm and processing facility at the Jacobahaven, Kamperland.

The company has also developed seaweed products in the Netherlands by collaborating with brands such as Hema, ProLaTerre (part of SoFine Foods), and The Dutch Weedburger (part of Livekindly Collective). 

Zeewaar grows seaweeds in the Oosterschelde National Park, organically and sustainably, which are ideally suited for human consumption. The company says it is the first seaweed farm in the EU to have implemented the highest food safety standards.

Rebecca says, “The seaweed industry in the EU is growing but is still in its infancy. After ten years of pioneering as an impact entrepreneur, the time has come to transfer our seaweed farm and wholesaler to a passionate team with a different composition. Joining The Seaweed Company will ensure that Zeewaar continues to develop, and we are confident that the impact achieved will be further increased.” 

“We are grateful for the support and encouragement from our customers and consumers, the Province of Zeeland, the EU for the Interreg 2Seas Valgorize subsidy, and finally our seaweed colleagues worldwide. The Seaweed Company is the best partner for the future development of Zeewaar and we are therefore very happy with this new owner,” she adds.

Jennifer, co-founder of Zeewaar, says, “It was and remains a fantastic experience to be able to shape Zeewaar from day one, and with the knowledge gained, we know better than anyone else what our company needs for the future. We have always worked well with our seaweed colleagues abroad and the connection with The Seaweed Company goes way back in time. The choice for The Seaweed Company was therefore logical: Zeewaar will benefit from the work and experience of Dr. Stefan Kraan, marine biologist and co-founder, and his multidisciplinary team at The Seaweed Company.” 

The Seaweed Company: What you need to know

Founded in 2018, The Seaweed Company specialises in the development of high-quality seaweed products, including animal feed supplements, food products, and biostimulants. The company has its own seaweed farms in Ireland, Morocco, India, and the Netherlands. 

The Dutch company aims to cement its position in the sector to get seaweed as an ingredient on the menu of farmers, consumers, and companies in Europe.

Joost Wouters, founder and SeaEO of The Seaweed Company says, “We are very pleased that Rebecca and Jennifer have chosen to entrust their business to The Seaweed Company. As mission-driven entrepreneurs, they have developed a unique company in a beautiful location. In the Netherlands, Zeeland is the hotspot where we can take major steps forward with the seaweed industry. We look forward to doing so in collaboration with all partners – from the government to research institutions, and from consumers to other seaweed and fisheries companies.”