What a year 2024 has been - talk about transformation! If we had to sum it up in a single word, it would be "reshaping."
This year has truly turned our world upside down, in both challenging and exciting ways. But change is never easy, is it?
As we reflect back, it's amazing to see how much the QRILL Pet team has accomplished even during these changing times. We may have been a bit quieter this year, but that's only because we had something BIG in the works.
Let's rewind and unpack it all.
Events in Italy, China and Germany
We kicked things off in 2024 with a few exciting pet food events in Italy, China, and Germany. In January, we were at the GlobalPETS Forum 2024 in Venice, Italy, where our SVP QRILL Sales, Knut Heggen, and our Director of Specialty Animal Nutrition Products, Tonje Dominguez, connected with industry peers and shared the latest innovations in krill-based pet nutrition.
Then, in May, we headed to Interzoo 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany - the world's leading trade fair for the pet industry. Our team, including Knut and Tonje, showcased our full QRILL Pet product range and the latest research on how krill meal and krill oil can boost omega-3 and choline levels in our four-legged friends.
However, the real highlight of those months was the China International Companion Animal Food Ingredients Conference (CAFIC) in Yangzhou. This event brought together over 600 pet food professionals from around the globe, and our very own EVP of Animal Health and Nutrition, Sigve Nordrum, was a featured speaker. He delivered a presentation on the incredible impact of Antarctic Krill on the health and nutrition of companion animals.
A new whitepaper on sustainability
In the middle of the year, we released a brand-new whitepaper that shed light on the sustainability of the Antarctic krill fishery. Written by renowned experts like Dr. Philip Trathan OBE, DSc and Dr. Stephen Nicol, this in-depth report provides a comprehensive look at the realities of modern krill harvesting.
The findings were eye-opening. The whitepaper revealed the strict regulations and catch limits in place to ensure the sustainability of the krill fishery, as well as the collaborative research efforts driving responsible harvesting practices. It became clear that a well-managed, sustainable krill fishery is not only possible but essential for the region's future.
First time attending an event in India
We also made our debut in the Indian market at the India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) in Mumbai. Atul Barmann, our Director of QRILL Pet India, and Anagha Mehta, our Business Development Manager, were there to connect with key players in one of the world's fastest-growing pet markets.
They were thrilled to share insights on the role of sustainable pet nutrition and how QRILL Pet's superior nutrients can benefit pets at every stage of life.
New educational content on chronic inflammation in pets
This year we started a series of articles on the topic of chronic inflammations in cats and dogs, all written by our very own krill expert, Tonje Dominguez. In these articles, she discusses how krill serves as a natural superfood that can combat chronic inflammation in pets.
The articles also focus on the importance of marine omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, along with other key nutrients like phosphatidylcholine and antioxidants found in krill.
In fact, the series highlights the versatile benefits of krill-based ingredients in promoting various aspects of pet health, from reducing inflammation and improving mobility to supporting cognitive function throughout a pet's life stages.
Read the first article of the series
We were named the World's Most Innovative Company
Aker BioMarine, along with QRILL Pet, was named the world's most innovative private sector company by the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI). This award is a wonderful recognition of the amazing individuals and organizations in the public, private, and social sectors who are leading the way in innovation across various industries and regions.
This is an incredible honor that really speaks to the groundbreaking work we've been doing in nutritional innovation, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and krill-based ingredient development.
Read more about this amazing achievement
QRILL Pet is now part of the Aker QRILL Company
But the biggest news of the year? QRILL Pet is now part of the newly formed Aker QRILL Company – a global, independent venture spun off Aker BioMarine. With support from American Industrial Partners (AIP) and Aker Capital, we're committed to providing premium, sustainably sourced krill products that keep our furry friends healthy and happy.
The QRILL Pet is more dedicated than ever to maintaining the high standards and trust our customers have come to know us for. While the company we're part of is changing, our enthusiasm for sustainability, quality, and innovation is as strong as ever!
What's next for QRILL Pet?
We can't wait to continue our journey in 2025 and beyond toward building a healthier, more sustainable future for people and pets alike. The past year has been a whirlwind of transformation, but we're just getting started.
There are so many new discoveries and milestones on the horizon, and we're thrilled to have you along for the ride.
