Category: News

It is known that if Icelanders are to handle a similar proportion of farmed fish products as we have obtained, it can be estimated that two hundred times as much aquaculture production is needed in this country. Global demand for aquaculture products, food originating in either fresh water or salty sea is expected to increase globally. The increased demand will drive increased production, new solutions and better utilization.

Research on the environmental impact of food value chains is and will be important in the future, as with an ever-increasing population, the strain on the earth's resources and the growing environmental impact, radical changes and new approaches to production methods are needed.

Birgir Örn Smárason at Matís has started doctoral studies at the University of Iceland in the field of environmental and resource studies. Birgir's work facilities are in Matís' office in Akureyri in Borgir við Norðurslóð, where emphasis is placed on the sustainable utilization of Arctic resources. Birgir's doctoral studies are in the spirit of the recent framework agreement between Matís and the University of Akureyri, especially on integrating research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization.

The doctoral program aims to analyze the possibility of using new raw materials in fish feed from other types of organic matter than traditional use. Therefore, the environmental impact of the value chain of fisheries and aquaculture will be examined with a life cycle analysis in terms of resource use in comparison with other food production. The analysis of these value chains will be twofold, because with new ideas and solutions in the utilization of resources, it is necessary to have a measurable comparison to assess the effect of changes in the value chains. The development and possibilities of biomaterials in feed will be analyzed based on the utilization of resources, the composition of feed and biology and nutrition, as well as the development of new types of feed.

One of the key factors for prosperity in the future is research and development in the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy refers to the use of limited resources, or non-renewable resources, being minimized or replaced by the use of renewable resources, sustainable living and production where materials and energy are renewed as fast as we use them. Strengthening the global bioeconomy has positive consequences, such as economic growth and job creation in rural areas, reduced use and demand for fossil fuels, improved food security and improved economic and environmental sustainability of primary production and production companies, as well as better ensuring the continued existence of the environment.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, division manager of Resources and Products at Matís.

Iceland is playing a leading role in a new multinational project funded by the 7th European Research Program, valued at ISK 943 million (EUR 6 million).

MareFrame project: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions"

Matís and University of Iceland play a leading role in a new large-scale multinational project that the 7th European Research Program has decided to fund for four years. The short title of the project is MareFrame and has the English title: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions“. The grant amounts to EUR 6 million, but the total cost of the project is EUR 7.8 million. Iceland's share in the project amounts to approximately ISK 275 million, which will be divided between Matís, the University of Iceland and the Marine Research Institute. The grant is one of the largest project grants awarded in Europe in this field.

Matís is the project manager of MareFrame, which means that Matís is responsible for, among other things, managing the project's progress and communication with funders. All funding goes to Matís, which then pays its domestic and foreign partners. There is a lot of competition for research grants from the 7th research program. MareFrame received 14 points out of 15 possible in the opinion of the professional committee, which is a great result. With this, Icelandic scientists become even more established in international scientific collaboration.

The MareFrame project will develop a multi-stock fisheries management system and find ways to facilitate its implementation in Europe. Emphasis is placed on ecological, sustainable, social and economic management. Emphasis is also placed on co-operation with fishermen, fishing companies and processing, as well as other stakeholders involved in fisheries management.

Three out of every four fish stocks in the European Union are overfished today, of which 47% are in the Atlantic and 80% are in the Mediterranean, so there is a great need for new ways of managing fisheries. The European Union's fisheries policy is under review and, among other things, ways are being sought to curb overfishing.

One of the goals of the MareFrame project is to build on what has been successful in fisheries management, including the use of the Icelandic multi-stock model "Gadget"Which is also used widely abroad. At the same time, there is increased co-operation with those involved in fishing and processing in the fisheries sector, as well as other stakeholders in the development of fisheries management systems, which is a key factor in the implementation of the fisheries management system. MareFrame will, among other things, develop visual interfaces, computer games and computer-assisted learning techniques to present results and management methods, which learning techniques are partly the result of Icelandic research.

The MareFrame project involves a total of 28 institutions, companies and universities in 10 European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Romania, Norway and Iceland) as well as researchers from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir, division manager at Matís, is the project manager and dr. Gunnar Stefánsson, professor at the Faculty of Science at the University of Iceland, is the scientific project manager.

The inaugural meeting of the MareFrame project will be held at Matís' premises in Reykjavík on 11 - 13 February 2014.

Matís, Matvælastofnun (MAST) and the Ministry of Industry and Innovation yesterday invited a consultation meeting on safe food | Consumer protection and business interests

Safe foods | Consumer protection and business interests

The meeting held at Sjávarútvegshúsið Skúlagata 4 was extremely good, as well as the same kind of meeting that Matvælastofnun offered in the afternoon in Selfoss. Both meetings were full of people and a great and good discussion ensued. The purpose of these consultation meetings was to present the Safe Food project and discuss the state of food safety in Iceland.

The Safe Foods project was originally part of the IPA plan for Iceland's accession negotiations with the EU, but has now been launched in the form of a bilateral project between the German and Icelandic governments. The status of food security in Iceland will be discussed in the light of being able to sell food both domestically and on the international market. Meeting guests will be given the opportunity to present their views and questions in a panel discussion at the end of the meeting.

The Safe Food project is intended to ensure food safety and protect Icelandic consumers. The project enables the Icelandic authorities, the Food Administration and the municipal health inspectorate to better enforce legislation on food safety and consumer protection. Safe food is developed in collaboration with Matís, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) in Germany.

The Safe Foods project will undoubtedly be a great springboard for Icelandic consumers, regulators and not least for producers and retailers. Consumers want more information about the substances that are and are not in the foods they consume and manufacturers and retailers also want this information to further increase consumer confidence in their products.

Further information can be found in the document Safe foods | Actions and yields and at Margrét Björk Sigurðardóttir from Matvælastofnun (MAST) and at Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir from Matís.

The Future Days of the Universities 2014 will be held on February 5 in Sólinn at Reykjavík University between 11-16.

As usual, Matís will have a large booth and will present his activities throughout the day.

Further information can be found at Framadaga website and at Jón Haukur Arnarson, Matís' human resources manager or Steinar B. Aðalbjörnsson, Matís' marketing manager.

About Framadaga

Framadagar is an annual event in university life where some of the country's leading companies present their activities to university students. The AIESEC student organization organizes Future Days every year. The Future Days of the Universities in 2014 will be held at Reykjavík University on Wednesday 5 February from 11-16. Students from all universities in the country come to the place to get to know the human resources managers of the country's main companies - and hopefully if they are lucky - apply for a job.

Future days 2014

This year, 60 exciting companies have announced their arrival and many lectures have been scheduled. Here you can view the brochure Framadaga 2014.

The co-operation agreement is based on a draft agreement (MoU) signed by the United Nations University-Fisheries Training Program and Nha Trang University (NTU) on 30 May 2013. Matís and Nha Trang University's Food Science Agreement stipulates a five-year co-operation (2013 -2018).

The NTU Food Science Department was established in Vietnam in 1959. Over the past 50 years, the department has built up extensive research and teaching expertise and has graduated more than 5,000 food engineers, more than 1,000 food scientists (BSc) and hundreds of technical experts in fisheries and food science. NTU collaborates with over 300 companies in Vietnam and the university's contribution to the development of food production in the country is very large.

NTU's Food Science Department has about 60 employees, of which 90% have a master's or doctoral degree. Many of them have been educated in Japan, France, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Russia and beyond. There are now more than 3,000 students at the Faculty of Food Science at all levels, from students in technological development to doctoral students.

Matís is very pleased to announce a collaboration with Nha Trang University in the knowledge that the collaboration will be successful.

For more information Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri, Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, and Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, recently signed a co-operation agreement.

The agreement lays the foundation for further strengthening of research and education in fisheries sciences, food sciences and biotechnology as well as collaboration in other areas of teaching and research, with the aim of being at the forefront in Iceland in the fields related to fisheries sciences and biotechnology, both taught at the University of Akureyri. One of the aims of the agreement is to strengthen teaching and research in the field of fisheries science, food science and biotechnology, among other things through access to international funds and co-operation in the field of utilization of Arctic resources.

Its goal is also to increase the number of people studying and researching in these fields, integrate research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization, processing technology, biotechnology, food safety and public health, to mobilize more Matís employees in teaching at the University of Akureyri and give Matís employees the opportunity to to receive a professional academic evaluation from the University of Akureyri / School of Business and Natural Sciences and the possibility of visiting teaching positions, as articles will be published under the auspices of both parties, as well as sharing facilities, facilities and equipment.

The University of Akureyri is an Icelandic research university that takes an active part in international research. The university has about 1600 students in undergraduate and graduate studies, in on-site and distance learning. Fisheries science has been taught at the University of Akureyri since 1990 and biotechnology since 2002. The subjects are now taught at the Faculty of Natural Resources and the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, which has also offered master's studies in fisheries and resource studies. Due to the nature of the study, teaching in fisheries science has from the beginning been carried out in collaboration with domestic fisheries companies and companies in related disciplines.

Matís is the largest research institute in the country that conducts research and innovation in the field of food and biotechnology for the benefit of the economy, public health and food and food security. Matís plays an extensive role in services in the field of research, education and innovation. Emphasis has been placed on meeting the needs of food producers and entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the education system, among other things in the form of practical projects with the participation of students.

The picture shows Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, Rannveig Björnsdóttir, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources at the University of Akureyri and Director of Matís, and Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri.

_{News written by Hjalti Þór Sveinsson and first published on the website of the University of Akureyri, www.unak.is.}

Helga Franklínsdóttir gives a lecture on her project for a master's degree in food science. The project is called "Application of waterjet cutting in processing of cod and salmon fillets"

When does this event start: January 30, 2014 - 3:30 p.m.
Further location: Matís, Vínlandsleið 12, 113 Reykjavík

Abstract

The aim of this project was to create knowledge about water cutting in fish that could be used in the design of FleXicut. FleXicut is a water cutting technology developed for whitefish with a focus on cod that is able to cut different patterns and curved cuts. The relationship between water-cutting conditions, species, physical properties and temperature in fillets was investigated. Cod and salmon fillets were tested using different pre-cooling methods and fillets either with or without skin. The main conditions for a good cut were the quality and purity of the cut to determine the range of the best cutting conditions. The results showed that the cutting speed is most important when it comes to the quality of fish fillets, as the salt in the fillets increases with increasing cutting speed. The connective tissue was the main problem in the tail trim, as the incision could not be penetrated, especially for cod fillets. The subcooling before the cut showed a better cut and less salinity in the fillets. This was more important for salmon fillets compared to cod fillets where the quality of the cut through the skin and tail trim was much better.

Keywords: Water cutting, subcooling, X-ray, cutting speed, pressure, tip size, saddle, connective tissue.

Supervisors

Sigurjón Arason, professor of martial arts at the University of Iceland and Matís' chief engineer, dr. Kristín Anna Þórarinsdóttir, project manager of Marel and Ásbjörn Jónsson, project manager of Matís

Examiner

Dr. Björn Margeirsson, research director of Promens Dalvík and Promens Tempra.

International co-operation is extensive in Matís' operations. The company has, despite its young age, established a connection and reputation abroad. Matís has purposefully and consciously increased its emphasis on foreign projects, as they strengthen operations in this country, strengthen Icelandic scientific work in general, strengthen the economy and ultimately benefit the general Icelander in the form of more and more diverse employment opportunities and opportunities for the country.

Icelanders pay a considerable amount to joint research funds in Europe, and with foreign scientific collaboration, that funding can in fact be recovered, with a good return if done well. The basis for this is a strong core of scientists and it is present in Matís. We are increasingly finding that we are being looked at by foreign parties, as the results of our foreign co-operation projects have been good. We have many desirable things to offer and we can strengthen Iceland's position with the knowledge we acquire through this co-operation. Through international projects, we gain access to facilities we would not otherwise have and a connection to expertise in specific areas.

Seventh European Research Program (FP7)

It is difficult to discuss partners and project collaboration without mentioning Matís' role in European research programs. During the year, Matís participated in 22 projects of the 7th research program. Few companies of the size of Matís in Iceland or abroad can boast of such.

In addition to participating in these projects, the company is the supervisor and leads six of these 22 projects. Such supervision of projects, let alone in this number of projects, is only given to companies that are highly valued at the international level and meet all the requirements that powerful research companies must meet, in terms of staff skills and knowledge, facilities and equipment for research and not least in terms of responsible operation. The total value for Matís in 2013 in projects related to the research plans is around and over ISK 300 million. It is clear that such funds strengthen the position of Icelandic research and scientific work to a great extent.

Here is a list of projects in which Matís is involved and related to the 7th European Research Program. Tasks marked with an asterisk are projects where Matís is in charge of the project:

With increased international scientific collaboration, it can be said that a leaf is broken. Icelanders have known about the export of goods for centuries, and it is worth mentioning the fishing industry. This includes both the export of raw materials and also more processed products. In our scientific work, it can be said that we are moving from the export of raw materials to the utilization of Icelandic knowledge of food production, the nation's basic industry through the centuries. Because we turn "knowledge raw materials" into an even more valuable product that we can both use in further efforts abroad and also here at home, for development in food production. In addition to us at Matís, other domestic researchers, institutions, universities and companies benefit from this.

Matís' structure and the company's priorities enable us to advance abroad. We have expertise in many aspects of the fisheries sector and we can also mention unique conditions for biotechnology research in this country due to, for example, the thermal areas, glaciers and nature both on land and in the sea. Many industries could therefore benefit from the foreign work that Matís has started, but not least the opportunities are clearest in the fisheries sector. New emphases in this field include market-related projects and emphases related to environmental issues and environmental impact. We Icelanders certainly have the opportunity to create an even stronger position in the world's product markets with our fish products. Matís International Work will help in that work in the coming years.

A similar story is being told about Icelandic agriculture. This field will open up opportunities in the near future abroad, not least with increased scientific and research work. Matís also looks at their possibilities.

Our scientists perceive that abroad we have a reputation to build on. Not just because we are Icelanders but because we can, know and know.

A "kick-off" meeting was recently held in Iceland for a new project, EnRichMar, led by Matís and funded for two years through the European Union's 7th Framework Program. In addition to Matís, the Icelandic companies Grímur kokkur, which produces prepared seafood dishes, and Marinox, which produces bioactive substances from seaweed, participate in the project.

A "kick-off" meeting was recently held in Iceland for a new project, EnRichMar, led by Matís and funded for two years through the European Union's 7th Framework Program. In addition to Matís, the Icelandic companies Grímur kokkur, which produces prepared seafood dishes, and Marinox, which produces bioactive substances from seaweed, participate in the project. The project also includes the food companies Ruislandia in Finland and Den Eelder in the Netherlands, followed by BioActive Foods in Norway, which produces omega powders and oils, and the research institutes VTT in Finland, TNO in the Netherlands and the University of Milan in Italy.

The idea for the EnRichMar project has developed through a collaboration between Matís and Gríms kokk in the Westman Islands since 2008. A project was started that aimed to develop products that were fortified with biomaterials from Icelandic seafood such as algae, fish proteins and omega-3 fatty acids and was supported. by the AVS Fisheries Research Fund. Subsequently, a grant was received from the Nordic Innovation Fund for work in the same field. In general, it could be concluded from these projects that the enrichment of seafood is a realistic possibility, and by utilizing raw materials from the sea in finished consumer products, their value increases. There has been a step further in product development with Icelandic ingredients from the sea for incorporation into food, and market opportunities have been created here, both for the domestic market and for export by utilizing unused seafood in more valuable products.

The use of omega-3 and bioactive substances from algae in food could contribute to a positive health effect on food consumption and food stability. The main goal of EnRichMar is actually twofold. On the one hand, to develop seafood, dairy and cereal products enriched with omega-3 and study the effects of consuming such products on mental and brain function, and on the other hand, such products are enriched with bioactive substances from algae and study the effects of food consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress. .

The development of ready-to-eat foods with bioactive ingredients is an important issue for the food industry both here at home and elsewhere in Europe. The purpose of the project is to strengthen the competitive position and increase the market share of the companies in the project and create new opportunities in the markets.

For further information Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, project manager at Matís

Co-operation project between the German and Icelandic governments, Safe foods, has now been launched. The main purpose of the project is to increase food safety and consumer protection in Iceland by increasing the monitoring of undesirable substances in food.

Safe foods enables the Icelandic authorities, the Food Administration and the municipal health inspectorate to better enforce legislation on food safety and consumer protection, which has already been implemented through the EEA Agreement. The project includes the purchase and installation of research equipment and training in accredited chemical analysis and monitoring work. With improved equipment, it will be possible to perform many more measurements domestically than is currently the case, such as measurements of algae toxins in shellfish and measurements of 300 pesticides in food instead of the 60 currently measured.

Safe foods was originally part of the IPA plan for Iceland's accession negotiations with the EU, but has now been implemented in the form of a bilateral project between the German and Icelandic governments. The project is carried out in collaboration with Matís, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) in Germany.

Further information can be found in the document Safe foods | Actions and yields and at Margrét Björk Sigurðardóttir at the Food Administration (MAST) and Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir at Matís.