INTERVIEW 68 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2024 'phyto,' plant), but there's still much to explore in the field of 'phycogenics' (from the Greek 'phyko,' algae). There is growing enthusiasm for investigating the potential of marine algae through various approaches: Some focus on seaweeds as a nutrient source, while others explore different properties. Our approach is unique; we don't view algae as just raw material, instead, we concentrate on identifying algae metabolites that can enhance animal gut health for positive outcomes. We are likely the only team actively connecting metabolites of seaweeds with their impact on animal physiology. We collaborate with experts in this field, such as our long-term partnership with the University of Wels in Austria, where we share capabilities and ideas to identify the most promising solutions, and work on innovative bioprocessing technologies. We believe we are only scratching the surface of the potential and are excited to be at the forefront of this field of innovation. Regarding business challenges, which events have impacted NUQO the most and to what extent? Which regional challenges have been the most difficult? Can you discuss the limitations or accelerators for your business? Like the rest of the industry, we have faced the impacts of covid and other pandemics, economic difficulties, and supply chain instability. These challenges have sometimes created inertia, making clients more risk-averse and prolonging discussions, which may have slowed our growth. However, it has also prompted a shift towards more agile working habits for the future. The difficult economic context, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, has been challenging. Yet, it has also underscored our customers' interest in our technologies to secure their operations' profitability. In this regard, it has acted as a growth accelerator for us. Challenging market conditions and crises actually highlight the strength and resilience of any strategy. So, overall, I believe we have navigated well through this turbulent landscape. Can you be more specific about the business evolution in recent years? In your role at NUQO and previous experiences, you’ve likely witnessed significant industry changes. How have these experiences influenced the founding and strategy of NUQO? Compared to other industries, animal nutrition remains relatively fragmented, yet it has experienced significant evolution in recent years. Customers worldwide have high expectations regarding technical standards and economic outcomes. Businesses face ongoing pressure on profitability, prompting further consolidation to enhance margins and internalize capabilities. Many valuable mid-size companies have been acquired, capturing some of their value, assets, and capabilities, while much of it was lost. This leaves now limited space for intermediaries and foo-foo dust products, and results in a landscape dominated by large companies with holistic offerings and commodity expertise, alongside smaller innovative companies quickly taking positions (but at their own risk). This has indeed shaped our strategy at NUQO. We aim to offer value-added technologies to our customers and maintain exclu-
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