The business which is based from Whitley Bay, has recently welcomed Mario Patrocollo, Advisor to the Co-COO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, as Chairman of the Board to assist the company on their growth journey and global expansion.

According to Global Market insights, It is estimated that the entire seaweed industry is currently worth more than $6bn and is projected to surpass $85 billion by 2026.

For Craig, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of Mario who has notable experience of managing and developing large global businesses is a key strategic step into tapping further into this lucrative market.

Reflecting on this appointment, Founder and MD of Seaweed & Co., Dr Craig Rose also known as Doctor Seaweed, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mario to the team at a time when we are expanding into new product sectors and geographies. His experience in pharmaceuticals, OTC and FMCG not only with multi-nationals at the highest strategic level but also with fast-growing start-up challenger companies, will help us take advantage of the huge potential for seaweed in general and our unique set-up in particular. We are incredibly excited to have him involved and learn from the phenomenal experience and expertise he will bring to the team.”

Craig Huntingdon, Partner at Scaleup North East has been working alongside “Doctor Seaweed” and his team for a number of years and helping to strategically shape growth plans for their range of products. When addressing future plans for the business, developing proprietary technologies and maturing commercialisation goals was key to growth.

When recalling the support provided by the programme, Craig said: “Working with Scale-Up North East has given us access to some really valuable support, and is a great way to be part of promoting the value and aspirations of the wider region and what it can offer”

In addition to their initial Weed & Wonderful nutritional supplement range, Seaweed & Co. has also developed their PureSea® ingredients range which consists of highly innovative micro-encapsulated seaweed as an ingredient for food and beverage manufacturers.

Products are now available from multiple leading retailers including Boots and Holland & Barrett as well as directly from QVC, Amazon and the business’ own website.

RTC North is delivering Scaleup North East in conjunction with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is aimed at supporting North East-based businesses that can demonstrate both the hunger and the potential to achieve high levels of growth.