Catherine Feuillarade joined the sales team of Canadian-based Neptune Technologies and Bioressources, Inc. in 2009, when she emigrated from France to Canada. She is currently executive director of nutraceuticals in charge of sales for Europe and Asia. She was previously with Eurofins as global sales director where she led a sales force of 30 managers located in eight countries. She is an engineer graduate at the French school of ESPCI, in Paris, whose alumni count several Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry. Afterward, she obtained her MBA at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. Thereafter, she worked for Procter & Gamble and Clariant in the B2B area obtaining invaluable experience in sales and marketing of specialty products. In addition to her native language, Catherine speaks English, German and Italian. Neptune is an industry-recognized leader in the innovation, production and formulation of science-based, clinically proven and novel phospholipid products for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets. The company is also in the krill oil market.
 
Health E-Insights: How does krill oil compare to omega 3?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: We consider krill oil to be part of the third generation of omega 3. The EPA and DHA are mostly attached to phospholipids, whereas the EPA and DHA in fish oil are attached to triglycerides. The phospholipids contribute to a better absorption and utilization of the EPA and DHA by the cells, making krill oil more bioavailable than fish oil. Also found in krill oil is an antioxidant known as astaxanthin, which creates exceptional protection against oxidation of the oil, making it stable for a long time. It also protects the body against free radical attacks, which can cause aging of the cells. Antioxidants are usually added in fish oil to prevent the oil from oxidizing, as they do not have any on their own. One of the side effects of fish oil is regurgitation. The different digestion mechanism of phospholipids in krill oil prevents any regurgitation side effects usually experienced when consuming fish oil. Krill live at the bottom of the food chain, therefore does not accumulate as many toxins and heavy metals as fish oil. This results in a safer and purer product than the standard fish oils on the market. Neptune has conducted many clinical studies on its first product, Neptune Krill Oil (NKO), most of which have been conducted in comparison to fish oil, and have demonstrated NKO superiority. Also, most of the studies conducted with fish oil were done with very high dosages. The daily dosages recommended on the market are much inferior to those used in the clinical studies, therefore cannot guarantee a human benefit. The doses recommended on the market for NKO reflect the dose used in the clinical studies.
 
Health E-Insights: Could ocean disasters and other pollutants wreak havoc with krill production?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: For this to occur, it would mean a disaster on a global scale, which would not only jeopardize krill but also other marine biomasses. There are areas near the coast where marine pollution by chemical contaminants is high but remains localized and where there are populations of krill that live and reproduce within that area and are not reported endangered. With regard to the nuclear radiation emitted in Japan, the ocean circulation in the Pacific Ocean prevents the dispersal of radiations, harmful to health, in the Antarctic marine ecosystem and keeps them contained in the northern portion of the Pacific. In addition the Antarctic Circumpolar Current contributes strongly to isolate the marine system in Antarctica.
 
Health E-Insights: What is your company’s share of the global krill market?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: According to 2010 Frost and Sullivan statistics, krill oil represented 7% of the omega 3 market. We estimate that the krill market is currently dominated by three major players, including Neptune, with a more or less equivalent market share.
 
Health E-Insights: What is Neptune’s plan for growth?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: Neptune plans to grow on two dimensions. First, to expand our existing products geographically, especially in the emerging countries. And second, to extend our product line in the area of marine phospholipids. This growth will be supported by new clinical research, which is already underway.
 
Health E-Insights: If I visited Québec, where your company is located, what’s the one thing I must do?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: Best answer to this would be to come visit us. We will take care of the rest.
 
Health E-Insights: As you’re now a Canadian resident, you must be a hockey fan. Who wins the Stanley Cup this year?
 
Ms. Feuillarade: The Montreal Canadians won their first game of the series against the Boston Bruins on April 14. This is a great start.

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Editor’s note: At the time this article was submitted for publication, Montreal was leading its series 2-1 in its quest to win Lord Stanley’s Cup.
 
For more information and interview consideration, contact Sheldon Baker at sbaker@bakerdillon.com or visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com. And check out his blog at www.NutraInk.com.