Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund has taken a minority equity stake in Ocean Rainforest, a sustainable grower and processor of seaweed based on the Faroe Islands. With this first investment in the sustainable aquaculture sector, the fund is not only tapping into an attractive global growth market, it also contributes to Triodos’ nature-based solutions targets. Seaweed has a proven positive impact on biodiversity and a strong carbon capture capacity. The total capital raised by Ocean Rainforest in this round amounts to EUR 2.5 million with participation of existing shareholders and new investors. The shareholders in Ocean Rainforest include some of the leading investors in this field globally, like Grantham Foundation, Builders Vision, Katapult Ocean, Twynam and WWF.

Leader in offshore seaweed

Ocean Rainforest was founded in 2007, anticipating massive global demand for sustainable seaweed, and driven by the idea that growing seaweed in the ocean would take up CO₂ and mitigate climate change. Cultivation began in 2013 after years of research and trials. Today, the company employs 25 people and expects to produce 400 tons of seaweed biomass in 2024 (240 tons in 2023), making it the largest cultivated seaweed producer in Europe. Key market segments where its seaweed is being used are cosmetics, food ingredients, animal feed, bio stimulants and nutraceuticals.

In addition to its activities in the Faroe Islands, Ocean Rainforest is also growing giant kelp in the US offshore Santa Barbara, California under the first R&D permit for seaweed cultivation in federal US waters. The company recently filed a permit application to grow seaweed for commercial purposes off-shore California. If granted, this would enable Ocean Rainforest to scale-up to the largest open ocean seaweed cultivator in the US.

Ocean Rainforest’s vision is to create local ocean rainforests around the world. The company is a leader in offshore seaweed cultivation with fully integrated production from seed to shelf-stable seaweed products, poised for significant expansion. It is leading and participating in multiple, international R&D efforts in Europe and the United States to develop and optimize cultivation and processing strategies that will allow competitive supply of this sustainable biomass into a variety of products.

Solid impact base

Adam Kybird, Fund Manager of Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund: “Ocean Rainforest addresses the fund’s three impact pillars: balanced ecosystems, healthy society and inclusive prosperity.” From an environmental perspective, cultivating seaweed at scale is associated with significant enhancement of marine biodiversity and water quality. Seaweed-based fertilisers and animal feed also contribute to the sustainable agriculture transition. From a consumer perspective, consumption of seaweed-based products improves the digestive system and brings anti-inflammatory and other health benefits. Last, from a socio-economic perspective, the company creates positive impact for coastal communities, creating jobs and positioning the Faroe Islands at the forefront of sustainable seaweed cultivation.”

Olavur Gregersen, CEO and co-founder of Ocean Rainforest: “We see the investment by Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund as a confirmation of our business strategy and our purpose to improve people’s wellbeing and make a unique contribution to our blue planet. With the funding provided by Triodos we will be able to further scale our production and capitalise on the huge potential of this global growth market while contributing even more to our sustainability goals.”

For more information, please also read the press release on this investment.