The role of food as an agent for improving health has initiated the development of new classes of food - functional foods. Nutrients and other bioactive substances isolated from fish as well fish in itself can be used as ingredients for functional foods.
Seafood is an important focus for R&D and industrial activity in the Nordic countries. A Nordic integrated multidisciplinary network is required to strengthen the marine based food industry in the development of marine functional foods or marine functional ingredients.
The proposed Nordic Network for Marine Functional Food (MARIFUNC) will target on the following main specific areas: health claims, consumer acceptance, innovative product development and ingredients, networking and co-operation for this strategic intent.
The main objective of MARIFUNC is to strengthen the marine based food industry in the Nordic countries in the development of innovative marine functional foods or marine food ingredients taking into account consumers needs and attitudes.
This goal will be met by creating a pro-active platform to share the strategic intent and common goals for marine functional foods through discussion and communication between industrial stakeholders and scientists from various disciplines in an integrated approach including health claims, consumer acceptance and innovative consumer driven marine functional food development. The platform will act as an initiator and catalyst for strategic activities
Total project budget: 4.7 Million NOK. Contribution NICe 50%
