Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ICE2LAST (Innovative technology based on the integration of natural substances in ice to improve animal welfare and extend shelf-life of farmed fish)
Période du rapport: 2019-04-01 au 2020-03-31
Global markets, such as the European Union, have already introduced minimum standards and Fish welfare is indeed an important issue for the EU which invests, mainly through public funding, on research projects for enhancing the shelf-life of fresh fish without altering its organoleptic properties. In this context, Cubiplaya has developed ICE2LAST, an innovation process for the EU fish sector that results in improved animal welfare, longer fresh fish shelf-life and greater fish flesh quality. The general objective of ICE2LAST is to launch to the market two different integrated methods for fish slaughter and fish preservation, ICE2LAST stunning and ICE2LAST preserving, based on the incorporation of natural-sourced ingredients with proven sedative and antimicrobial activity into the crushed ice. To do so, different experiments will determine the most effective dose to guaranty stunning and minimise fish suffering at slaughter and in consequence extend fresh fish shelf-life.
WP4.- Regulatory tasks and IPR management: the application for the evaluation and the fulfilment of regulatory procedures of ICE2LAST stunning and ICE2LAST preserving as food ingredients in regard to health legislation has been done and we are awaiting the final authorisation by the competent authorities. The ICE2LAST stunning patent has been extended as a PCT for a European Patent. The ICE2LAST preserving patent has been published as a Spanish Patent.
WP5.- ICE2LAST team has implemented communication and dissemination activities to inform about the added value of ICE2LAST technology for the Fish sector, highlighting the importance of this feasible solution to the spoilage problem while contributing significantly to reduce fish waste. This is important not only for society and the environment but for the fish sector in particular by the significant increase of their revenues. ICE2LAST project´ team has made several efforts to make the technology known among the potential clients and key stakeholders in the sector. In parallel the team has done a market analysis to identify main market segments and needs as well as consumer trends and we have gained knowledge on the markets we are addressing, the perceptions of consumers and the current opportunities beyond the fish industry.
From this analysis, useful information has been utilized to fine-tune the communication of our innovation to our targets. In addition, the team has performed important steps for the commercialization of ICE2LAST such as the establishment of pre-commercial agreements with potential clients such as Mercadona, the larger retailer in Spain, which has an important “push effect” on its fish suppliers to adopt our technology.
WP6.- Project management and coordination was set in place to ensure the most efficient conduction of project tasks, monitoring the project progress and alignment with the objectives. The project has been executed in line with the initial work plan and no major deviations have occurred. WP7. Report describing ethical issues and the authorisations obtained in regard to the experiments with animals.
Besides these main achievements of ICE2LAST, the enhanced fish safety and fish self-life, this is also an easy to implement solution. The simple manufacturing procedure involved and being a cost-effective solution, since there is no need for extra equipment nor additional working procedures, contributes to facilitate its uptake by the fish sector both in farm and wild fish. Therefore, ICE2LAST has a promising value in contributing to reduce fish losses through spoilage control during distribution, resulting in a positive and key economic impact at the fishing sector.