Recent Posts
Creative, innovative risk-takers who have a vision and a passion to succeed often see value in things we find a nuisance. When you hear the word "algae", what comes to your mind first? You probably crinkle your nose and think of the stuff that grows in aquariums and pools that you're always trying to get rid of... and fast.
That's not what some scientists saw in 1985, when they were directed by defense and aerospace contractor Martin Marietta to study the ways algae could be used in long-term space flight. These scientists, based on their research, came to see how beneficial algae could be in promoting good health. With such belief in the potential of these photosynthetic organisms, these scientists bravely set out on their own, leaving their jobs, to form a company called Martek Biosciences Corporation.
Martek Biosciences discovers, develops, and brings to market life-science based products for health and well-being. They develop nutritional products and are a leader in fermentation technology. They continue to research and develop products derived from microalgae.
They have the patents on two fermentable strains of microalgae they developed which produce oils rich in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They have also developed and patented a process for a fungus that produces a type of oil rich in ARA (arachidonic acid). This DHA and ARA are nutrients valuable for infant development. DHA is an important nutrient for use all through a person's life.
The year 1992 was an important one for Martek Biosciences Corporation. That year they had their first license agreement for the use of their proprietary blend of DHA and ARA infant formula. Today, their "life's DHA" and "life's ARA" are in over 90 percent of infant formulas. Both of these healthy fatty acids are also part of infant formulas sold in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Martek Biosciences still has dreams to pursue as visionary entrepreneurs in the biosciences field. They want to identify and create new and valuable products for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and functional foods markets. They also are working hard to investigate nutrients and bioactive compounds that can aid in the areas of inflammation, cognitive function and cardiovascular health. They also seek to continue clinical research to explore the additional health benefits of DHA beyond brain and eye development in infants.
Martek Biosciences Corporation began when scientists saw value in something most of us would not...algae. They took a risk and pursued their dreams. Today, headquartered in Maryland, with additional facilities in Colorado, Kentucky, and South Carolina, they continue to contribute to the local economies they operate in as well as the national economy in the U.S. They are also contributing greatly to the advancement of health in people around the world.
Shared on
Soybeans find use in many products that we use everyday and are a staple of the North American farm economy.
Today, June 13,2008, Soybeans rose to a three-month high in Chicago. Soybean futures for July delivery rose 14.75 cents to $15.5125 per bushel. That's a gain of 6.3% in the price this week.
Soybean, (Glycine max), a member of the Leguminosae family, originated in China and was introduced into Canada in 1893. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
75.5 million acres of soybeans were planted in the United States in 2006 (2007 figures to come).
Most soy biodiesel is sold blended with petroleum diesel. The most common blends are B2, B5 and B20, meaning 2 percent, 5 percent and 20 percent blends of soy biodiesel, respectively. (United Soybean Board)
China was the largest customer for U.S soybeans according to 2006 statistics.
Cooper Power Systems (CPS) has paired with the United Soybean Board (USB) and the Soybean Checkoff since the late 1990s to incorporate soybean oil into transformer fluid. (United Soybean Board)
The soybean is found in body care products, candles, shampoos, composite materials, as soymilk, in margarine, and cheese, to name a few products.
A 60-pound bushel of soybeans yields approximately 11 pounds of soybean oil.
75% of the edible consumption of oils and fats in the U.S. came from soybeans.
More than 4,500 growers and other associates gathered in Nashville, Tennessee this year for the 2008 Commodity Classic. This is a trade show and convention that features the National Corn Growers Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, and of course...the American Soybean Association.
The United Soybean Board and SoyBean Checkoff promote the use of soy in construction products.
Soy-based construction products that are normally developed are adhesives, coatings, lubricants, and plastics. Soy-based adhesives can be found in some common wood products like plywood.
Tofutti Brands, Inc. a soy food products manufacturer saw their shares close today at $2.86.
Shared on
* The Wall Street Journal Reported last week that J.M. Smucker Co. is expected to acquire Folgers Coffee from Proctor and Gamble.
* Coffee started its journey in Arabia. Roasted beans were first brewed around A.D. 1000. There is evidence that coffee in its raw form was used to "perk" people up prior to this time in Ethiopia.
* At closing Jun 10 2008, Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc (PEET:NSQ) closed at 23.71 per share. For the past week, the company outperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average index.
* Top coffee producing countries are Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Cote d'Ivoire, and Uganda.
* The U.S. remains the largest consumer of coffee in the world.
* Coffee futures trade at the Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange Division (CSCE) of the New York Board of Trade (NYBOT).
* Coffee producers report that it takes 4,000 beans to make a pound of coffee.
* Arabica beans account for over two-thirds of the world's green coffee-bean production.
* Starbucks Corp. shares closed at 17.84 on June 10, 2008 on a volume of 9.76M shares.
* China, where tea rules, has seen some hints that coffee may be gaining some interest among the younger set. However, ChinaDaily.com said in a 2004 report that China represents only 1% of world coffee consumption.
* Green Mountain Coffee Roasters stock trades on the NASDAQ Exchange under the ticker symbol GMCR. Their 52-week high as of June 10, 2008 was $43.70 and their 52-week low was $23.31. (This is not a recommendation, do your homework before you buy any shares of anybody!) Just gives you an idea of the volatility out there.
*Bellissimo started the American Barista & Coffee School [ABC's] in Portland, Oregon. It is the first and only professional school in the U.S.A. focusing on coffee business education and hands-on barista training.
Shared on
When you wake up and start your morning breakfast routine tomorrow, give some thought to the people who transformed the way you prepare your food and drink before you head out to face the day.
Without these business people and the companies they were involved with we'd be preparing breakfast in a less-convenient way each morning. Here are their accomplishments
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
There are always those who see a need in the marketplace and fulfill it. They do so through hard work, ingenuity, and countless experimentation. These three entrepreneurs proceeded with ideas that they believed would attract the interest of consumers. They were right... whether these products tickle your taste buds or not...they are food-marketing successes.
The Egg McMuffin
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
It's causing turmoil, jitters, anger, and just about everything else in the world's economies. It's affecting every aspect of life as well - oil that is...black gold, Texas tea.
Food prices are rising because of increases in gas prices the fuel needed to ship food products from manufacturers to wholesalers to your local retailer. Airfares are rising as airlines come to grips with rising fuel costs. Vacationers this summer may well be curtailing the length of their road trips, or abandoning them completely. Backyard pools may get more use this summer than in recent ones due to people staying put.
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
In 1956, one man had a dream and acted upon it decisively. That man was Charles E. "Chuck" Williams, the founder of what we know today as specialty retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. Back then Chuck Williams dream was to convert the hardware store he purchased in downtown Sonoma, California into a store devoted to French cookware. He did exactly that. An entrepreneur at heart he took the risks necessary to realize a dream and forged ahead.
By 1958, his hardware store was now selling cookware and culinary utensils. With his annual trips to France, Chuck Williams became interested in classic top-quality French cooking equipment. He introduced a collection of this French cookware to the U.S. market through his store, eventually moving the store to San Francisco in
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
Copper is one of the oldest materials used throughout history. Today it is so much a part of everything we use that we don't even realize how much we rely on it.
Pure copper metal is produced through a multiple step process. Simplified, it involves the mining and concentrating of low-grade ores that contain copper sulfide materials. Next, smelting, and electrolytic refining (leaching and electrowinning) produce a pure copper cathode.
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
Naikun Wind Energy Group Inc. is planning an offshore wind farm on a large-scale in Hecate Strait off the northwest coast of British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. They are proposing to construct and operate this wind farm in a 550 square kilometer permit area within the Haida Energy Field in the strait. This are has some of the most consistent and powerful winds in all of Canada. The Hecate Strait area where Naikun plans to operate is between the Queen Charlotte Islands and the B. C. mainland.
Naikun believes this wind farm will be a cost-effective, clean, domestic energy source that will serve the B.C. electricity market. The company's goal is to establish B.C. and Canada as one of the world leaders in renewable energy development.
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
This information...hulled and culled from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2007 stats) and the U.S. Grains Council will give you an idea of this commodity and what types are grown in the U.S.A, the leading corn producer in the world. Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota are responsible for more than 50 percent of U.S. corn production.
The U.S. is not only the world's top corn producer, but also the top exporter of corn to world markets. Two types of corn grow in the U.S. These are field corn and sweet corn. Field corn is the most common and accounts for 99% of all corn acreage. It is primarily used as feed for livestock and ethanol production. Sweet corn is what we grow in our gardens or purchase fresh, frozen, or canned
[ Click here to read more ]
Shared on
|
|
|
Add Comments
Read More
Comment by Michael Ugulini
on Water Is Not Everywhere!
Business Dime
Commodity Plaza
Michael
www.businessdime.com
Really Long Link