Veramaris adds former Seafood Connection lead to its business development team

Johan Brouwer, formerly of Seafood Connection, has joined Veramaris’ business development division.

Brouwer will focus on growing the microalgae oil producer’s presence in European retail and foodservice seafood markets, the Delft, The Netherlands-based company announced in a 5 July press release.

“I am really excited to be joining Veramaris at such a pivotal time for the aquaculture industry, when there is real potential to make a difference to the environmental issues that need to be addressed,” Brouwer said.

Earlier this year, Veramaris achieved certification under the joint Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seaweed (Algae) standard, “therewith expanding the world’s access to certified EPA and DHA omega-3 by 45 percent.” Its EPA and DHA omega-3 algae oil is used in feed for aquaculture operations as well as in pet food.

Brouwer spent the last eight years serving as the operations lead for Seafood Connection, which specializes in frozen fish.

“Veramaris’ sustainability value proposition, including its recent joint certification from ASC-MSC, gives retailers and the food service sector a viable solution for their seafood sustainability challenges and I am looking forward to working with our partners to help them achieve their sustainable seafood goals,” Brouwer said. “Veramaris offers a game-changing solution and I am thrilled to be a part of the company as its growth accelerates.”

Veramaris CEO Karim Kurmaly said Brouwer would play a major role in helping the company work to feed a growing global population through sustainable aquaculture production.

“Aquaculture needs to scale up to meet the world’s increasing demand for seafood but it can only do so sustainably. This is where Veramaris comes in; our algae oil, naturally rich in both EPA and DHA omega-3 helps to reduce the industry’s reliance on wild catch fish, and we also have the capability to produce, at scale, a natural and sustainable alternative to fish oil,” Kurmaly said. “Our success depends on our people and I am thrilled to welcome Johan to our talented team. His proven track record in the industry will be a huge asset as we continue on our mission to expand the world’s supply of certified sustainable EPA and DHA omega-3.”

Photo courtesy of Veramaris