Our natural astaxanthin, “Panaferd®,” was adopted for use in the production of shrimp by Kaiko Yukinoya (*1), a joint venture of Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. and IMT Engineering Co., Ltd.

Yukiebi is an environmentally friendly, safe domestic shrimp raised in land-based aquaculture.

Land-based aquaculture is attracting attention as a sustainable system with low environmental impact compared to conventional aquaculture in ponds and mangroves.

The shrimp are grown in a pooled, high-quality environment without antibiotics or other chemicals. This environment eliminates any shrimp-specific smell and allows the eating of the shrimp with the whole shell.

Panaferd® is a specific feed ingredient made from our unique marine microorganism, Paracoccus, which produces abundant naturally occurring astaxanthin. Since it does not use genetic recombination technology or synthetic antioxidants, it has been widely used as “natural astaxanthin,” mainly in European premium salmon.

Recent exploration into the compatibility of top shrimp farming practices with Panaferd® natural feed resulted from collaborative studies with IMT Engineering Co., Ltd., which is known for its shrimp production systems. The affinity between the concept of Yukiebi and Panaferd® was discovered, and as a result of joint research with IMT Engineering Corporation, the various functions of Panaferd® were evaluated, leading to its adoption.

We will continue to collaborate with Kaiko Yukinoya to contribute to the development of a safe and sustainable aquaculture industry.

 

*1 Kaiko Yukinoya was established in 2020 as a joint venture between Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (98% owned) and IMT Engineering Co., Ltd. (2% owned). Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. established the Innovation Laboratory in 2019 with the aim of creating new businesses, and has entered the field of land-based aquaculture shrimp as the first commercialization in the agricultural and food fields.