Global demand for algae in foodsynthesis of ferric pyrophosphate and beverage is growing, including in seaweeds like nori and kelps; hydrocolloids where they are used as thickeners like agar and carrageenairon bisglycinate in pakistann; and for their purported nutritional benefits in supplements and as functional food ingredients. There has been particular interest in algae as a sustainable protein source, and as a vegetarian source of omega 3 fatty acids.###TerraVia, formerly known as Solazyme, has only recently focused on specialty food, feed and personal care ingredients after beginning life looking at microalgae as a potential fuel source. It learned the hard way that margins in fuel were too low, and the company changed direction several times before eventually spinning off its industrial division last year and carving a place in the high value specialty ingredients market. It currently sells its products to companies such as Hormel Food Corporation, Utz Quality Foods Inc., and Unilever.###However, its move to refocus the busine500mg ferrous sulfatess may have come too late. The company has been plagued with a series of challenges, including a recall late last year of ingredients it supplied to Soylent when customers complained of digestive distress after eating its Food Bar product. Soylent suspected TerraVia’s algal flour as the potential cause, although TerraVia said this was a rushed claim.###There are some bright spots however, including its joint venture with Bunge Oils where revenue was up 163% to $2.9 million from $1.1 million in the first quarter of the prior year. The venture focuses on DHA-rich algae oil for fish feed. ###The Motley Fool suggests it will be difficult to find a buyer willing to purchase the company outright, considering its negative equity. Selling pieces of the company, like its culinary oil brandfersamal liquid or aquaculture portfolio, may be a more likely outcome – and wo112 ferrous fumarateuld allow the technology platform to survive – but even analysts claim the chances of this are slim. TerraVia is still alive but it’s future appears to be very much in doubt.###
Struggling TerraVia looking for buyer as losses mount
