QuintaQuanta Silver Coast

Direct:

• Sustainable use of land, biological production, and biodynamics: halophyte and aromatic plants are produced on their own land with biological certification or harvested in places where they occur spontaneously. All processes follow the guidelines of biodynamics (Demeter certification), which ensures their sustainability. Now, there are already 6 hectares being converted to agriculture and soon more land will be used to produce aromatic plants. Additionally, the promoter demonstrates the viability of biodynamic practices to farmers in the region, who use conventional farming practices and who are faced with the devaluation of their products.
• Job creation: in this first phase, it is planned to maintain 4 full-time jobs, 3 part-time jobs, and seasonal work teams.

Indirect:

• Promotion of scientific knowledge: promoter's partnerships with universities, technological centers, and customers increase knowledge sharing about the characteristics of macro-algae and native halophyte plants in Portugal and their uses, increasing the availability of products of natural origin. QuintaQuanta is also investigating the feasibility of applying clean methods in the production of extracts, which are alternatives to the use of hydrocarbon-based solvents, often used in the perfumery and cosmetics sector. In addition, it is involved in an international research project that seeks to include algae in animal feed to reduce methane emissions, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
• Valorization of the natural heritage: the harvesting of seaweed for fertilizing the land, feed, and the pharmaceutical industry was once an important economic and social activity in several locations in Portugal. QuintaQuanta counteracts the decline of these activities by promoting their appreciation.
• Promotion of the local economy: maintaining jobs generates income in an area with limited job offers. In addition, a sea science and technology park, the Smart Ocean, will be born in Peniche, with which QuintaQuanta intends to establish synergies, with a positive impact on the local economy, joining 10 other companies in the areas of food security, digitalization, restoration of ecosystems and decarbonization of the oceans.

Founded in 2020 by Mário Pedro, the company currently has three shareholders on the team full time and has a presence in the retail and perfumery, and cosmetics markets. It will soon enter the food market.

Mermaid Fragrance also has a warehouse in Peniche, means of production (a distillation unit composed of a copper still and two stainless steel columns with a capacity of 1200L each), and its own vehicle. The warehouse and laboratory are in the process of biological certification.

In addition to the commercialization of products already known, he will also dedicate himself to research projects for the characterization of native algae and discovering/proving their benefits, and supporting regulation.

At the same time, it managed to attract interest from entities such as Astier Demarest, ODYCEA, and others that intend to establish long-term partnerships for the implementation of pilot projects with the potential to give rise to business areas, such as the biodynamic production of aromatic plants.

The businessman was able to obtain financing from MAR2020, which allowed him to purchase equipment of greater capacity, such as stills and columns, and start to produce greater quantities, making production more profitable. With this step Mário Pedro, in 2020, founded the company Mermaid Frangrance Lda and motivated a group of specialists in areas ranging from chemistry, logistics, marketing, and project management to create the QuintaQuanta concept.

All processes follow the guidelines of biodynamics, and the entrepreneur is undergoing a process to obtain the Demeter certification. QuintaQuanta thus emerges as a pioneer in the production of halophytes and aromatic plants according to biodynamic guidelines. With the research it develops, it will soon also be a pioneer in the areas of transformation.