Algea, green spirit
Algea was founded in 1937 thanks to a strong intuition about the potential of using seaweed for nutrition. This is how a pioneering activity began at the extreme northern latitudes of Norway and just beyond the boundaries of the Arctic Circle, where the ecosystem is still intact and uncontaminated by human presence. Here, for over 70 years, Algea has been collecting and processing seaweed which is unique in the world, using a process that preserves the incredibly characteristics of the seaweed and is of minimum environmental impact. This is how Algea skilfully transforms the seaweed into an ingredient for products for human nutrition, animal nutrition, cosmetics and fertilization.

The seaweed of life
Ascophyllum Nodosum, a seaweed with exceptional nutrients, grows where the environment is pure and pristine and the sound of nature is the only audible noise. The quality of the air and water, combined at lower temperatures, creates an ideal habitat for the proliferation of this seaweed, which grows in fronds of up to two metres long. Immersed in the frigid Norwegian waters in winter and exposed continuously to the force of the sun in summer, this seaweed gathers natural elements of the highest purity and quality, such as vitamins, minerals, alginates, iodine, fucoidan and polyphenols.

A process which is 100% natural
Once reached by our low environmental impact boats, the Ascophyllum Nodosum fronds are cut with extreme care and attention, leaving a thallus of about 10 cm which is fully intact and tightly anchored to the rock. This will lead to complete regrowth of the seaweed over the following 4/5 years, allowing for the correct repopulation of the ecosystem and leaving the natural balance that has lasted for thousands of years unchanged. We patiently wait for the fronds which were removed to float to the surface, away from any potentially polluting foreign bodies such as sand and shells and then collect them and bring them gently to the specific Algea site. Here they are dried following a simple and natural process that preserves the properties, before being processed further depending on their final use.

Science at nature's service
Today the traditional methods of harvesting and drying Ascophyllum Nodosum are part of the scientific and technological know-how of its parent company Valagro.
Valagro acquired Algea in 2002, bringing it into an innovation-friendly environment and later also integrating the Norwegian firm Nordtang which is also specialised in seaweed based products. Today, the whole process is conducted following not only the strict Norwegian regulations, but also the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) international procedures reinforcing the protection of the natural virtues of Ascophyllum Nodosum.

A world of natural and effective products
AlgeaFood products intended for human nutrition only come from seaweed harvested directly from Algea. Thanks to the presence of iodine, polyphenols, mannitol, vitamins, minerals and alginates, AlgeaFood products are ideal ingredients for functional foodstuffs and dietary supplements.

In the AlgeaEsthe line which is dedicated to the cosmetics industry, the natural components promote a draining action to combat cellulite, providing effective hydration and regeneration of skin, hair and nails. The antibacterial and detoxifying capacities stimulate the immune system, physiological function and blood circulation thus improving health and wellbeing.

The AlgeaFeed products for animal nutrition strengthen the immune system and bring a good supply of fibre and chelating agents, all of which promote a healthy and harmonious development of pigs, cattle, poultry, fish, horses and pets.

The AlgeaFert line uses the properties of Ascophyllum Nodosum for special fertilizers that strengthen resistance to stress, cold and external agents (fungi, parasites, nematodes), improving the processes of photosynthesis. Treating the plants and soil with AlgeaFert products which are available in Solid, Liquid and Meal form there is an increase in the bacterial population which is useful for the development of roots and contrasts the pathogenic fungi.