Following three days of fascinating discussions, IFFO’s new Director General Petter Martin Johannessen stated that the industry has some key next steps that have been highlighted through the conference discussions. The event, which is the highest attended European event for the trade organisation, consisted of three days of market, technical and general industry discussions. In his closing remarks, Johannessen noted that the dominant message that remained consistent throughout was the industry’s need to improve how it communicates and engages with its stakeholders. Johannessen’s concluding message was “we have listened, are listening, and going forward IFFO will focus on three core areas. First, engaging our stakeholders from across the value chain, positioning marine ingredients as having the true value they have. Second, proactively communicating that true value and their unique and important role in global food production, while analysing new areas that are ready for innovation. And third, an evidence based approach means that we will stick to the facts and be transparent in our activities. We have a good story to tell and it’s our responsibility as both IFFO and the wider industry to tell it”.

On Johannessen’s last point, the conference has been rich in scientific information and data, giving the industry what it needs to effectively communicate the contribution and role that marine ingredients play. A great example of that was Prof Brett Glencross (Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling) who gave a compelling presentation on what makes fishmeal such a special resource. His presentation showed the clear abundance of beneficial and complementary nutritional factors in fishmeal, highlighting the high protein content as key, as well as the abundance of those essential amino acids and lipids. He also noted that it is a renewable protein source which is available globally and with a range of options as raw material. In short, he noted that fishmeal is among the best ingredient available for absolute protein content and while there are ingredients with higher protein, they are rarely cost-competitive. To further build on this research, Glencross is working on an IFFO-funded project to build a fishmeal database. This will be a valuable information resource for IFFO members for a long time to come, mapping out the range of composition of fishmeals from around the world into an accessible library that supports members’ businesses. By capitalising on the point-of-difference factors of fishmeal and other feed ingredients, the industry can ensure it uses these precious resources in the most effective way.

The event was being attended by around 440 delegates joining from a record 45 countries. The sponsors for this event include Intertek, Haarslev, Dupps, SGS, Blueline Foods, Coland and Teampower. A full summary of the proceedings will be published daily on the IFFO Blog.

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Please contact:                 Georgie Harris, Communications Manager

T: +44 (0) 2030 539 195

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Notes for Editors

1. IFFO is an international trade organisation that represents and promotes the marine ingredients industry, such as fishmeal, fish oil and other related industries. Marine ingredients are nutritious products used mainly for aquafeed, land animal feed as well as for human consumption and are derived from marine organisms such as fish, krill, shellfish and algae. IFFO’s members reside in more than 50 countries, account for over 60% of world production and 80% of the fishmeal and fish oil traded worldwide. IFFO is an accredited Observer to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). More information at www.iffo.net
2. Fishmeal is a natural, balanced, highly nutritious feed ingredient used in diets for farmed fish and crustaceans and as a high protein supplement in nutritionally demanding periods in the life cycle of pigs and poultry, as well as in pet food.
3. Fish oil is the major natural source (97%) of the healthy long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Most fish oil is used in feeds for farmed fish and there is an expanding market for fish oil for human nutritional supplements and functional foods. Fish as Food or Feed: The use of small species of fish as farmed animal (including fish) feed is important for global food security and is entirely appropriate if the source fishery is well managed and does not deprive local communities of good quality food for which there is a demand.