Category: News

Matís turned 10 years old yesterday, the 1st of January, but that day in 2007 Matís officially started working. The Environment Agency's laboratory, MATRA, RF and the biotechnology company Prokaria merged to form one strong unit where research on food and biotechnology took place, with an emphasis on increasing value creation in Icelandic food production, food safety and public health.

In light of this, we decided to compile an annual report that would look back and outline Matís' operations. This year's report, which is usually published on the first working day in January, covers a wide range and it can be said that this year's report is composed of different short stories, what we call success stories, and shows its contents so as not to be mistaken. that the establishment of Matís was logical and a great step forward in its time. This year, the annual report is in English in its entirety, but Icelandic abstracts, which focus on what happened in our operations in Iceland, will be published in the next few days.

Matís Annual Report 2016

We look back with pride and optimism on the road. A lot of interesting, fun and challenging things will take place this year and it is safe to say that one of the biggest events that Matís has undertaken will be this year when we take care of World Seafood Congress (WSC). The event is one of the largest forum for value creation in the world in the field of value creation in the fisheries and food security, and brings people from all parts of the seafood value chain to the table. The conference will be attended by employees of fishing and fish processing, investors and people from the institutional and educational environment around the world, not least from developing countries. It is a real honor for us to have the opportunity to hold this conference and the role is a great encouragement to us.

Matís' growth has been considerable over the past 10 years, but this will not happen without strong employees.

Marine catches are similar and upheavals can also be seen in the markets, both of which affect the allocation of catch for processing by workers. As stated in Sveinn Margeirsson's speech at the Fisheries Conference on 24 October last was the utilization of marine catch as exported goods according to statistics 48% in 2015. 

It has long been known that marine catches and fluctuations can also characterize market conditions, and this affects what happens to the catch in processing by workers and, ultimately, how products processed from the catch are sold. As stated in Sveinn Margeirsson's speech at the Fisheries Conference on 24 October last was the utilization of marine catch as exported goods according to statistics 48% in 2015.

Export utilization, so to speak, decreased by 12 percentage points from 2014 to 2015. In 2015, we exported 631.8 thousand tonnes of seafood, 22.5 thousand tonnes less than in 2014, despite catching 242 thousand tonnes more than in 2014 or 1,319.3 thousand tonnes instead of 1,076.8 thousand tonnes in 2014. The largest difference is in catches of 240.9 thousand tonnes more capelin landed in 2014 than in 2015. In 2015, we exported 92 thousand tonnes less frozen products than about 65 thousand tons more of flour and fish oil. We also exported almost 300 tonnes less hardened seafood in 2015 than in 2014. This is all catch, before it has been pointed out that Icelanders' utilization of cod in 2015 amounted to 77%. The emphasis of research and innovation has been to increase that utilization in a value-creating way.

Utilization of catch for export and value creation

These figures show some of the changes that have appeared in the export reports of Icelandic fisheries companies recently. It is possible that changes in the markets for seafood have had an effect that has led to this conclusion, as has the restriction of access to the Russian market. The fall in oil prices has had far-reaching consequences, including declining purchasing power in Nigeria, which has been an important market for hardened seafood, a development that was conclusively observed in 2015. In the summer of 2015, the Russian government added Iceland to the list of countries from which food imports were prohibited. and has been repeatedly stated in public debate. Both are among the external factors influencing the utilization of seafood.

As important as good utilization of catch is in terms of the environmental impact of fishing and processing, it is the formation of value that drives the wheels of the economy. The export value of marine products in 2015 amounted to ISK 264.5 billion, which was about ISK 20.6 billion higher than in 2014. In 2015, ISK 201 was received. per kg earned with exports, about 26 less than for each kg gained in 2014. On the other hand, the average value of each exported kg was ISK 418. in 2015 about 46 ISK. higher than in 2014.

The application of scientific knowledge is important for the development of industries and their competitiveness. Achieving more durability for each unit, each kg extracted from the sea, requires less to create comparable value that can reduce the environmental impact of fishing and processing. Through research and innovation, developments in the Icelandic fisheries sector have been observed in recent years, but there is more to come, including market conditions that weigh heavily and patience in market development is important.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson Head of Implementation and Impact

Two new articles were published in issue 29/2016 of the scientific journal Icelandic Agricultural Sciences and can be accessed at http://www.ias.is/landbunadur/wgsamvef.nsf/key2/bsinaawuad.html.

The first article is called "Strongyloides stercoralis found in imported dogs, household dogs and kennel dogs in Iceland"And is by Matthías Eydal and Karl Skírnisson.

The authors compiled an overview of cases that have been diagnosed by the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs in Iceland but the worm has been detected in faecal samples from 20 (0.6%) dogs that were brought to the country via isolation centers in the years 1989-2016. In 2012, the worm was detected in many dogs at an Icelandic dog kennel and also in some puppies that have been bought there and in two domestic dogs that had been in contact with dogs from the dog kennel. in single faecal samples in recent years. The nematode is believed to have entered the kennel with an imported dog, despite repeated antiretroviral administration to the isolation center has been transmitted between dogs in the kennel and spread from there with sold dogs.

This article shows that we need to be constantly vigilant against imported diseases in animals in this country and the importance of keeping track of data is useful in finding ways to control this disease.

The second article is called "Geothermal ecosystems as natural climate change experiments: The ForHot research site in Iceland as a case study"By Bjarni D. Sigurðsson and 20 other authors.

The research study discussed here takes advantage of the special situation that the soil in a geothermal area has warmed up and it is possible to compare ecosystems there with soil without heat. The project aims to shed light on the effects of global warming on northern dryland ecosystems. The research took place at three locations in Ölfus, in the immediate vicinity of Hveragerði: i) in grasslands that have been under the influence of global warming for a long time for at least 50 years, ii) in similar grasslands that first started warming in the spring of 2008 after the South Iceland earthquake and iii) in planted a 50-year-old spruce forest that also started to heat up in the spring of 2008. We tried to choose so that the heating would be as close as possible to +1, +3, +5, +10 and +20 ° C. Chemical analyzes showed no evidence of geothermal water reaching the soils of the areas and the end result was that the geothermal areas of the ForHot project produced conditions comparable to various controlled soil heating experiments abroad that are used to study the effects of global warming on drylands.

This article tells about a large project that a number of people and institutions are involved in and already both MS and one doctoral dissertation as well as several articles have been published about it and many will surely come in the coming years. People's interest in this project extends far beyond the shores of Iceland shows the need for people to get acquainted with and study what the possible effects of a warmer climate may have on nature.

The updated rules of procedure of Matís' board were approved at the company's board meeting yesterday afternoon. The rules of procedure are set in accordance with the provisions of the Act on Public Limited Companies, cf. Paragraph 4 Article 70 Act no. 2/1995, Coll. Act no. 89/2006 (public limited companies).

The rules further stipulate the implementation of the work of Matís' Board of Directors in addition to the provisions of the Public Limited Companies Act in this regard. The board shall follow guidelines on good corporate governance. In particular, reference is made to the guidelines of the Confederation of Icelandic Employers on corporate governance and the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on corporate governance.

Rules of procedure of the board

Corporate governance from the Confederation of Icelandic Employers' website

OECD guidelines

A committee on the review of fisheries management in the Faroe Islands recently submitted a report. By its nature, it deals with more than just fisheries management alone, and the report examines the diversity of the fisheries sector, the goals and potential benefits of fishing, processing, distribution and sale of seafood through innovation and traceability. The committee looks beyond the 18 islands and compares the arrangements and developments in the fisheries sector in Norway and Iceland with the Faroese fisheries sector.

The committee took into account, among other things, co-operation which has aimed to bring all catches from three sea areas ashore under the heading "All in land". Special attention is paid to research and development in the fisheries sector, and in this connection special attention is paid to the Icelandic fisheries sector and the co-operation that Matís has led in close co-operation with Icelandic companies in the fisheries sector and companies that serve fisheries companies. The Committee considers that research and development in the interests of food production needs to be prioritized. The committee also proposes to examine whether a food research unit similar to Matís in the Faroe Islands should be established.

It is pointed out that technological innovation has been a prerequisite for increasing value throughout the value chain of marine products, and Icelanders are said to have been particularly diligent in developing new technology. In the context of innovation, it is mentioned that Matís and examples such as better and faster cooling, better bleeding and washing, new cooling technology, shorter endurance and towing time and fisheries management with regard to market requirements are mentioned.

In the final words of the report, Matís says that the Faroe Islands can be an inspiration in research for the benefit of food production, as research and development can have a decisive effect on making the processing of an increased part of the catch on land possible.

Matís-ingar, but in such a way Matís employees often refer to themselves, are really happy with our cousins in the Faroe Islands and compliments from this direction encourage us even more.

Summary of the Association of Companies in the Fisheries Sector (SFS) on fisheries management in the Faroe Islands.

From the Faroese report, the report can be found in its entirety here. 

10.4.1 The project "All in land"

The project focused on demersal fisheries in three islands: the Faroe Islands, the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea, and work was done immediately in four countries: Norway, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Other partners in the project were the companies Nofima in Norway and Matís in Iceland and Nátturugranskingarstovan in Greenland. Av tí at frágreiðingin varð lidug í juni í ár, so fer umrøðan av hesum evninum at vera nogg grundað á greiningarnar og vörstøðurna frá verkætlanini.

10.5.1 Comparisons between Norway and Iceland

Technological innovation is one of the decisive factors in increasing value. Her hava íslendingar vera serstakliga dugnaligir at menna nýggja tøkni í øllum liðum. One of the most important players in this culture is the food review agency, Matís (www.matis.is). Better and faster cooling, better soaking and washing, new icing technology, shortened touring length and towing time and the organization of the fishing fleet after ten, some markets want, are examples of technological innovation and better boarding of fishing vessels.

10.6 Investigation and culture

Some people have said that the Icelandic fishing industry has had enough in the last year. One of the most important parts of this culture is dental examination, some of the food stalls, Matís, have been at the forefront in close collaboration with the work.

The committee estimates that the general agreement with the work should be such that culture and scrutiny of food production will be regulated in the Faroe Islands. In this connection, it may be considered to place one food inspection stand on a stand, some of which Matís has some model.

10.7 Conclusions and recommendations

The committee considers it crucial that the culture and scrutiny of food production be regulated. Lack of profitability is a significant resource in order to get a larger part of the fish ashore, and here research and culture may have a decisive play. The Icelandic research institute, Matís, may be an inspiration for research in food production.

From the SFS summary (from page 22.):

Technological development and innovation are key conditions for value added, and the Faroese report states that Icelanders have been particularly at the forefront of developing new technology throughout the value chain. The report makes special reference to Matís' work, which more often than not works closely with the companies. We can also mention the AVS fund and the initiatives of the companies themselves and their cooperation with powerful and progressive companies that serve the fishing industry. Various technologies have been developed that contribute to, among other things, better cooling, improved handling of catch on board and product development. Transport of goods is also a key factor, but significant progress has been made in reducing the number of bottlenecks in transport and shortening the time between production and delivery of goods from Iceland. The report pays special attention to Matís' operations in Iceland with regard to research and development.

The idea for the Superchilling of fish project, which is a joint project of Grieg Seafood in Norway, 3X Technology, Matís, Iceprotein, FISK Seafood, Skagans, Hätälä in Finland and Norway Seafood in Denmark with support from Nordic Innovation and Rannís, was chosen as The avant-garde idea of the Fisheries Conference 2016, and was awarded the Sviföld, at the conference that took place at the end of November.

Svifaldan, the prize for the Future Policy Idea of the Fisheries Conference 2016, was now awarded for the sixth time, but the goal is to strengthen discussions and encourage new thinking with progressive and original ideas. Svifaldan is donated by TM, but at the same time prize money and awards were given to those who stand for the three best ideas.

For this reason, supercooling was chosen as the Future Policy Idea of the Fisheries Conference 2016 and Albert Högnason from 3X accepted the award at the conference. With the reception of Sviföldan, the spotlight is on the collaborative project and the collaboration that results in increased knowledge of fish cooling.

Svifaldan 2016 Albert Högnason, 3X, Gunnar Þórðarson, Matís | Svifaldan 2016 | Copyright Gusti.

About the supercooling project

Significant research has been carried out on the effects of supercooling on processing and product quality in the fisheries and aquaculture production, and the results are decisive. Supercooling refers to the transfer of cooling energy into the fish muscle immediately after fishing / slaughter, as less than 20% of the water content is frozen. In demersal fish, the target is to cool down to -0.7 ° C and -1.5 ° C in salmon, which is fat and therefore has a lower freezing point. In both cases there is a phase change at these temperatures and it takes a considerable amount of energy to go below them. Extensive research has been done on supercooling and it has been shown that there is no damage to cells due to ice crystal formation as long as cooling is within the definition. There can be great opportunities in transporting super-chilled fresh fish (salmon / catfish) as a lot is saved by getting rid of ice in the transport chain, especially by air. About 10% of the weight of conventional products during transport is ice and therefore both financial and environmental benefits with the method. Reducing the footprint in the production and transport of fish products is an important marketing tool for the future. The main difference, however, is that better fillet quality has been demonstrated by supercooling, and thus the method may increase the quality of fish products.

For further information, contact Matís Gunnar Þórðarson.

Guðmundur Stefánsson from Matís recently visited Varðin Pelagic for a mackerel project and gave a lecture on the importance of research and innovation in the fisheries sector for young people in Tvøroyri on Suðurey, where Varðin Pelagic is located.

News about this will appear on website of the Guard Pelagic.
For further information Guðmundur Stefánsson at Matís.

Matís was a participant in a conference organized by CCFI (The Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation) www.ccfi.ca) 15.-16. last November but the conference (Process Automation in Seafood Processing www.ccfi.co/workshop) discussed the future of technology and the use of automation in fish processing in Canada.

In recent years, technological development in pelagic and catfish processing has accelerated rapidly in Iceland and other countries are now looking to us and the results that have been achieved here.

The Icelandic representatives at the conference were Sæmundur Elíasson from Matís and Ögmundur Knútsson from the University of Akureyri.

Sæmundur's talk was about the technological development that has taken place in the Icelandic fishing industry. In pelagic processing, the result has been that fishing and processing processes are mostly automatic and nowhere in the process does the human hand touch the fish. The procedure increases food safety and facilitates product traceability through the processing processes.

The catfish processing plant in Iceland has traditionally required more hard work in processing, but recent technological solutions are reversing this trend so that more jobs are being transferred to quality management and control. In the land processing of catfish, there has been a revolution in fillet cutting technology, which now takes place in automatic machines. Larger processes also have technologically advanced packaging and finishing of products where robots take care of the work.

A factor in the technologicalization of Icelanders has also stretched its wings to the sea, where the control of bleeding and cooling processes has increased. The latest trawlers will also be equipped with automation for moving tanks from the middle deck and down to the ships' trains, a development that will revolutionize the working environment of seafarers and increase both human safety and catch on board. Finally, the presentation reviewed the incentives and challenges of the parties involved in technological development, where the cooperation of the manufacturer, developer, research and government is a key factor in success.

Ögmundur's talk dealt with the history and development of the Icelandic fisheries sector, where the development of fisheries management, fishing, the fleet was reviewed and placed in the context of value creation, which has increased considerably in recent decades. Despite less catches, Icelanders have managed to increase the value creation of the fish that comes from the sea with improved utilization and more valuable products. Technology and automation have played a major role in this development and also helped to standardize production and extend the shelf life of fresh products, which is important for Icelanders due to their distance from markets.

Icelanders 'emphasis on this technological development has created opportunities for exporting technological solutions, and Canadians' interest did not go unnoticed. Their conditions are in many ways different, as the greatest value of seafood is in crab, lobster and shellfish processing. Great emphasis is placed on these valuable species while catfish and pelagic fish meet the surplus. It aroused the interest of Canadians how much value Icelanders can create from that raw material and there was also a lot of talk about the efficiency of the Icelandic fisheries management system in comparison with the Canadian one.

It is clear that technologicalization and the automation of the fisheries sector lead to many opportunities, and it is interesting that Icelanders are a leading force in this development. This development will create a need for increased education and expertise in the industry and change jobs in the fisheries sector, where production capacity and product quality increase significantly.

Increased value of data - projects funded by AVS. The aim of the project is to design and set up a central product description system for Icelandic seafood, which provides a much greater possibility for a detailed analysis of exports than the customs register system alone can offer.

The project is led by the Association of Companies in the Fisheries Sector and Matís ohf, but also includes the Directorate of Customs, Statistics Iceland, Icelandic Group, Iceland Seafood International, Ögurvík hf, Brim hf and Markó Partners.

It has always been difficult to estimate the volume of exports and the value of individual species, as many tariff codes contain the words "other", "other" or "other" and therefore do not indicate the type of fish in question. The value of these products was over ISK 20 billion in 2014 and the third most valuable "species" after cod and mackerel products.
 
The lighthouse will, among other things, solve this and ensure reliable data on sustainable utilization and value creation in the Icelandic fisheries sector. The manufacturer's product descriptions will be standardized and based on the "Fish Industry Concepts". Product descriptions will be linked to the customs register and it will therefore be simpler to choose the correct customs register number when it comes to exports.
 
The lighthouse makes it possible to simplify the customs register as soon as new goods are immediately visible in the export documents. The lighthouse will make it possible for companies to better analyze their own position, opportunities for value creation, etc.
 
Vitans' employees are the computer scientists: Daníel Agnarsson and Friðrik Valdimarsson, they are based at SFS and have the e-mail address: vitinn@sfs.is
 
Vitan's project manager is Ingvi Georgsson at SFS ( ingvi@sfs.is )
 
Matís' project manager is Páll Gunnar Pálsson ( pallp@matis.is )

Marel and Matís present a new video that shows how modern technology has completely changed processing methods in fish processing and made Iceland a focal point for development and innovation in the industry.

Requirements for quality, traceability and processing speed are very important in fish processing. Marel works closely with companies in the fisheries sector and has developed various solutions in collaboration with the most progressive fish producers in Iceland, large and small. These device and software solutions enable manufacturers to maximize utilization, performance and profitability.

Marel has a research group that works to increase knowledge of new technology in collaboration with a number of companies, universities and research institutes in Iceland and abroad. With constant innovation in mind, Marel has transformed from a start-up company into a world leader in its field.

About Marel and Matís

Marel is one of Iceland's largest export companies and a world leader in the development and production of advanced equipment and systems for fish processing. Marel employs over 4,700 people worldwide. 

Matís provides advice and services around the world to companies in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, as well as the Icelandic state. Matís works on the development of new products and processes for companies through the application of science and has an important role to play in terms of food quality and safety.