What inspired you to start your entrepreneurial journey?
The spark for my entrepreneurial journey came from a deep awareness of the urgency to produce foods that are not only nutritionally robust but also have a negative carbon footprint. After leaving my strategic consulting roles at Deloitte and UniCredit, I immersed myself in the search for sustainable food solutions. Initially, my focus was on entomological proteins, but I soon realized that seaweed, particularly Sugar Kelp (Saccharina Latissima), Sea Lettuce (Ulva Fenestrata), and Dulse (Palmaria Palmata), offered a much more sustainable and nutrient-dense alternative. These seaweeds not only sequester significant amounts of CO2 but are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a sustainable food future.
How do you define Excellence?
For me, excellence is the harmonious combination of environmental sustainability, nutritional quality, and culinary innovation. An excellent product must be delicious, nutritionally rich, and produced in a way that respects and enhances our planet. At KELPEAT, we achieve excellence through seaweed farming with our European partners. Varieties like Sugar Kelp, Sea Lettuce, and Dulse not only absorb large amounts of CO2 but also regenerate marine ecosystems. These seaweeds are rich in vitamins B12 and E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and rare minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and iodine, offering unparalleled nutritional benefits.
How does your product represent you?
KELPEAT products embody my commitment to healthy and sustainable eating. Transitioning from strategic consulting to creating negative-carbon foods highlights my passion for innovation and sustainability. Our products, free from preservatives and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, enrich diets with rare minerals and vitamins that are often lacking in other vegan food sources. For example, our seaweeds are an excellent source of vitamin B12, crucial for energy metabolism, and vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties.
What is the ideal setting to enjoy your product?
The ideal setting to enjoy KELPEAT products is a seaside picnic, where the connection between our products and the marine environment becomes tangible. Imagine a sunny day, a light sea breeze, and a table adorned with a variety of seaweed crackers, guacamole, hummus, and a glass of chilled white wine. Our snacks pair wonderfully with fresh and light foods like salads, smoked fish, and mild cheeses, amplifying the natural flavors with their umami richness. KELPEAT products are also perfect for a boat trip or any occasion where you want to savor the essence of the sea and relive the sensations of summer.
Describe the uniqueness of your product in three words.
Sustainable, Nutritional, Innovative.
What is the compliment about your product that you cherish the most?
The compliment I cherish the most came from a customer who said:
“Your snacks are not only delicious but represent sustainable luxury. Every bite makes me feel part of a better future without compromising on taste.”
This praise is especially meaningful because it perfectly encapsulates our goal of combining culinary excellence with sustainability. Our products blend the rich Asian tradition of seaweed with Italian and Mediterranean influences, offering an experience that satisfies both the palate and the conscience.
Conclusion
My entrepreneurial journey with KELPEAT is a testament to an unwavering dedication to creating products that embody sustainability, innovation, and quality. Our seaweeds, like Sugar Kelp, Sea Lettuce, and Dulse, are not only delicious and nutritious but pave the way for a greener and healthier future. They enrich diets with essential vitamins and minerals, especially catering to vegans and vegetarians, and highlight our commitment to a sustainable food revolution.